ANDREW JOHNS BREAKS HIS SILENCE – “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”
NRL legend Andrew “Joey” Johns has finally spoken out, and his explosive comments have sent shockwaves through Australian sport. The former Newcastle Knights great has had enough of the constant rumours linking Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary and Matildas icon Mary Fowler in a supposed secret relationship — and he’s not holding back.
For weeks, the sports world has been buzzing with speculation that Cleary and Fowler, two of Australia’s most recognisable young athletes, have been romantically involved. Social media posts, paparazzi sightings, and even fan-made “evidence” have fuelled the rumour mill. But Johns, one of the most respected voices in rugby league, says it’s time for the gossip to stop.
“Honestly, it’s gotten ridiculous,” Johns said during a recent interview. “People are making things up out of thin air just to get clicks. Nathan’s focused on his footy, Mary’s focused on her football — and that should be the end of it. Enough is enough.”
His blunt comments come as both Cleary and Fowler continue to dominate headlines for all the wrong reasons. While Cleary has just reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the Penrith Panthers, Fowler has been a key figure in the Matildas’ recent success on the international stage. Yet instead of celebrating their sporting brilliance, fans and tabloids alike have been obsessed with the idea of a romance between the two.
According to insiders, Johns’ intervention wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment reaction — it was a deliberate stand to protect the players’ privacy and sanity. “Joey knows how brutal the media cycle can be,” said one source close to the NRL community. “He’s seen players get torn apart by rumours before, and he’s trying to make sure Nathan doesn’t get dragged into another circus.”
Fans were quick to respond to Johns’ comments, flooding social media with mixed reactions. Some praised him for finally saying what many were thinking, applauding his defence of Cleary and Fowler’s professionalism. Others, however, accused him of trying to silence public curiosity, insisting that the speculation was “harmless fun.”
But Johns didn’t stop there. “It’s not harmless,” he warned. “These are young athletes under incredible pressure. They give everything to their sport, and they don’t deserve to have their personal lives dissected like soap operas. Let them be.”
Meanwhile, both Cleary and Fowler have remained silent on the issue, refusing to engage in the rumours or feed the ongoing media frenzy. Cleary has shifted his attention to leading Penrith in another title push, while Fowler prepares for a crucial run of fixtures with the Matildas ahead of next year’s major tournaments.
As the dust settles, Johns’ powerful message stands as a reminder of how invasive the modern sports media landscape can be. In an age where every glance, photo, or social media like becomes “breaking news,” his call for respect and restraint rings louder than ever.
For now, the truth behind the Cleary–Fowler speculation remains unknown — and perhaps that’s exactly how it should stay.
