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NRL superstar Nathan Cleary has confirmed he can't wait to be a dad - but knows it won't happen anytime soon.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's first Ashes Test at Wembley, the Kangaroos halfback admitted it is 'his biggest goal in life.'
'Yeah, it does cross my mind,' Cleary, 27, told the Sydney Morning Herald.
'But it's just probably not meant to be at the moment, there are still things that have to fall into place.
'When the day comes, I would absolutely love that. But yeah, it's just not right now.'
Given his girlfriend - Matildas star Mary Fowler - is only 22, Cleary will be waiting a while.
NRL superstar Nathan Cleary has confirmed he can't wait to be a dad - but knows it won't happen anytime soon (pictured, with partner Mary Fowler)
Given Fowler is only 22 and has plenty of more goals to achieve in professional football, Cleary will be waiting a while
Speaking ahead of this weekend's first Ashes Test at Wembley, the Kangaroos halfback admitted becoming a dad is 'his biggest goal in life'
The Manchester City ace is currently recovering from an ACL injury - and the couple will catch up when the Aussie squad travel from London to Liverpool before the second Test against England.
Cleary - who has won four NRL premierships with Penrith - is also enjoying being labelled Fowler's boyfriend in the UK, such is her status with football fans in England.
In May, Fowler told the Keegan and Company podcast she also can't wait to start a family with Cleary.
She is thinking big, with adopting children - in addition to their own - an option as well as raising the family on a farm.
Meanwhile, Kangaroos debutant Mark Nawaqanitawase doesn't believe he will be overawed at Wembley.
'I will just go out there, enjoy the moment and atmosphere... and try not to think about it too much and most importantly, do the jersey proud,' he said.
The Roosters flyer will become Australia’s 49th dual international, emulating the likes of Israel Folau, Lote Tuqiri, Mat Rogers and Wendell Sailor.
Nawaqanitawase, 25, is heading back to rugby next October to challenge for a spot in the Wallabies squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup on home soil.
He also represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics in Sevens Rugby.
