Mungubudkija (Mungu) Toby is the first NRL Cowboys House boarder to be named as School Captain

Mungu has a quiet, humble exterior but underneath possesses a fierce determination which has seen him emerge as a leader amongst his peers.

The 17-year-old said he was a little surprised but excited to take on the role and hoped his family and community were proud.

“I originally applied to be vice-captain, so I was very surprised when I was named School Captain,” he said.

“Being a leader of a high school is a big responsibility and I’m sure I’ll have plenty of extra duties to take on next year, but hopefully I’ll grow into it across the year.

“Since coming to NRL Cowboys House I’ve definitely become more social than I used to be, more talkative and confident, so I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”

NRL Cowboys House Head of Boys Campus Jonathon Cini said Mungu is softly spoken but fiercely determined.

NRL Cowboys House Head of Boys Campus Jonathon Cini said Mungu’s mum was originally unsure how her son would fair at boarding school due to his quiet nature, but he had thrived since coming to the House in Year 9.

“Mungu is softly spoken but not shy,” Jonathon said.

“We are extremely proud to have Mungu represent NRL Cowboys House, his Mornington Island community, and his family as School Captain of Heatley Secondary College,” he said.

“His leadership qualities and dedication to everything he undertakes make him an excellent role model and we know he will give it his all, just as he does with everything else. 

“Mungu knows what he wants, he’s culturally proud, patient, a good friend and his commitment is unquestionable.

“On top of his leadership at school, Mungu is passionate about the art of boxing and trains up to five times a week at Hawks Boxing Club. He had his first bout this year and has gone on to have three more including his first victory in the Main Junior Bout in October.”

Mungu trains up to five days a week with Hawks Boxing Club

Mungu is one of several emerging leaders at NRL Cowboys House with Pimlico State High School’s Marina Aruba (Boigu Island) named Year 11 First Nations Captain alongside Kentaro Sabatino (Thursday Island) who came through an extensive selection process involving around 50 students to be named Pimlico’s 2025 First Nations Ambassador.

Kentaro and Marina accepting their new roles at Pimlico State High School

While Tahliyah Jawai (Napranum) will take the role of First Nations Captain at Kirwan State High School next year.

Tahliyah will represent her community, family and NRL Cowboys House as First Nations Captain in 2025

NRL Cowboys House, managed by Cowboys Community Foundation, is removing distance as a barrier to quality secondary education by providing a home-away-from-home for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from remote communities that do not offer secondary schooling to Year 12.

The House is a joint initiative between the National Rugby League, North Queensland Cowboys, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government. 

Enrolments are now open for 2026.

Download the application form: bit.ly/3YLNyHC