Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary's absence explained as awful news rocks Matildas star's wedding

Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary were noticeably absent as Matildas veteran Emily van Egmond tied the knot in the NSW Hunter Valley last weekend. And it's since been the superstar sporting couple are in Queensland on holidays together and couldn't make it.

Van Egmond and partner Kat Thompson were married in the picturesque winery region, with the majority of the Matildas team in attendance. Sam Kerr was there with pregnant fiancee Kristie Mewis, but had to rush home to Perth due to a family emergency.

Caitlin Foord also attended with Irish superstar partner Katie McCabe, while fellow big-name stars Steph Catley, Hayley Raso, Clare Polkinghorne and Mackenzie Arnold were also there to see their teammate tie the knot. But a noticeable absentee from the all photos shared on social media was Fowler, who didn't attend with Cleary.

The reason for Fowler's absence was initially unknown, but it's now been revealed she's been spending time with Cleary and family and couldn't make it. Fowler's family are based in Queensland and Papua New Guinea, and she was recently spotted in Bowen (near Townsville) visiting the Big Mango. According to the Townsville Bulletin, Fowler and Cleary have been road-tripping to Far North Queensland this week, and they arrived in her hometown of Cairns on New Year's Eve.

Fowler recently opted to take a break from representing the Matildas and headed to the Gold Coast with Cleary to recharge the batteries. The 21-year cited a need to focus on her physical and mental health when she decided to withdraw from friendly games against Brazil and Chinese Taipei last month.

"Mary had a health issue that we needed to support her on," Football Australia CEO James Johnson said earlier this month. "And we're supportive of her needing to have a short break.

"I think the challenge is around the international calendar for the women's game is really heavy now. It's great leadership by Mary to put her hand up and say 'I need a break and I need to get my head and body right'."

Sam Kerr forced to rush home after family emergency

Meanwhile, Kerr was forced to rush home to Perth after her grandmother was struck by a car the day after Van Egmond's wedding. Kerr immediately flow home to Western Australia to be by grandmother Coral's side in Royal Perth Hospital.

Coral is said to be in a stable condition after undergoing surgery. Kerr wrote on social media on Monday: “Thank you for all the messages, love, and prayers for my nan x.”

Kerr's father Roger told reporters that Sam is "a bit shocked", adding: “She’s gone straight there to see her grandmother now and we’ll follow.” Kerr is extremely close with her nan, who previously said: “Nearly every week, she sends me a message, I phone her. I FaceTime with her.

“Whenever she comes home, she’s always here having breakfast. Her favourite breakfast is a pirrata, which is an Indian bread with jam. Or we go out for a coffee or lunch. She never fails to come and see me and take me out.”

RELATED:

• Mary Fowler and teammates rocked by brutal news amid Matildas issue

• Mackenzie Arnold responds amid brutal call to axe Matildas goalkeeper

Kerr is currently sidelined after rupturing her ACL last January, and won't be back in action until at least February 2025. She also missed the recent games against Brazil and Chinese Taipei, which saw a number of young guns step up to fill the void and show the future is bright.