The Penrith Panthers were in celebration mode last week as they revelled in their fourth straight premiership victory.
This included a day out with their fans on October 9 at Penrith where the Panthers faithful got to say goodbye to some departing stars.
However, Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher was under the media glare for comments he made surrounding Nathan Cleary and his girlfriend Mary Fowler, who plays for Manchester City and the Matildas.
He was quoted as saying, "that's Matt Cameron, the CEO of football's job to bring her [Mary Fowler] back to Australia permanently," though he has since clarified his comments.
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Fletcher explains 'light-hearted' comment
Speaking on Sky Sports Radio on October 13, Fletcher said his comments were made in a light-hearted manner and were not meant to be taken seriously.
"It was light-hearted," he said.
"We've got Nathan and Ivan signed up till the end of '27 and it's our job - or my job - to try to extend that out as far as we can to keep them both at the foot of the mountains until their rugby league days are over."
He also insisted the club did not meddle in the personal lives of their players, leaving it entirely up to them as to what decision they make in terms of their playing future.
"It'd take a lot of speculation out of it if (Fowler) did come home, but that's between her and Nathan, we don't interfere with those matters."
Cleary himself quashed rumours he may be the one to move to England's Super League to be closer to Fowler, saying: "I've seen all the rumours, but it is nice to get to come over here and see her play, which is nice to just have a break.
"I won't be moving over here any time soon."
Nathan Cleary is currently signed to a $1.2 million a season deal that expires at the end of 2027, the same year Ivan Cleary's contract as coach is up.
