Tanzania to Townsville: Cowboys enforcer Emarly Bitungane’s unique journey to the NRL

Tanzanian-born refugee Emarly Bitungane is hoping a strong trial match performance can catapult him into the selection picture for an NRL debut. Read more about his unlikely rugby league journey.

North Queensland Cowboys forward Emarly Bitungane during pre-season training. Picture: Alix Sweeney / North Queensland Cowboys.

Tanzanian-born refugee Emarly Bitungane is hoping a strong performance in Friday’s trial match against the Dolphins can catapult him into the selection picture for an NRL debut.

The Cowboys middle forward only started playing rugby league seven years ago when friends in Brisbane encouraged him to join their team to make up numbers.

That small decision set the 22-year-old on a pathway that would lead him to North Queensland, where he has become one of the Cowboys’ top prospects.

The soft-spoken enforcer declared this to be his best pre-season yet as he bangs on the door of a first-grade debut.

“It’s everyone’s dream. It would mean the world to me,” Bitungane said.

North Queensland Cowboys forward Emarly Bitungane during pre-season training. Picture: Alix Sweeney / North Queensland Cowboys.

“But I’m focused on my job, and I know if the opportunity does come, I’ll be ready to take the next step.

“It has been a journey, probably one of my best pre-seasons so far. I’ve improved in fitness, in contact, in all my areas.

“I’m really confident moving into this game and just really keen to go out there and put it into practice.”

Bitungane originally joined the Cowboys on a train and trial deal with the Young Guns, quickly earning a contract extension that has seen him play two NRL trial matches.

After two seasons of Queensland Cup, the hard-running prop has put on enough size to more than handle himself against NRL-calibre players.

Emarly Bitungane runs the ball in the Hostplus Cup Queensland Rugby League (QRL) match between the Northern Pride and the Western Clydesdales, held at Barlow Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

He said playing with experienced Cowboys on Friday would give him the confidence to perform at his best.

“Dolphins are a good side. I don’t really look too much into the team list, but I hope they name a good side,” Bitungane said.

“That would let me put my best foot forward out there against good players. Regardless of who they name, if we focus on ourselves as a team, we’ll get the job done.”

“I’m pretty lucky to play alongside ‘Hessy’ (Coen Hess) and Tom Mikaele, they’re more experienced middles here and they’ll give me the confidence to do my job.

“For me, specifically, they told me to be louder in the middle, which is a key aspect to the game – letting the rest of the boys know I’m controlling the ruck.

Emarly Bitungane charges forward with the ball in the Hostplus Cup Queensland Rugby League match between the Northern Pride and the East Brisbane Tigers, held at Barlow Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

“When it comes to attack, run the ball hard and when it’s time to ballplay, just execute my role.

“Effort plays as well, that’s one thing for me that I’m big on: making sure that I keep moving and don’t slack off.”

Bitungane played 19 games for the Northern Pride in 2024, giving him a great perspective on both Jake Clifford and Tom Duffy – who are locked in a battle to pair Tom Dearden in the Cowboys’ halves.

“They’re both talented. They’ve both got their own strengths. Whoever gets the first hit-out, I know they’ll both do a great job,” Bitungane said.

“The club, they’re very fortunate to have two of them at the moment. They’ll both help the team a lot.”

The Cowboys take on the Dolphins on Friday in their first hit-out of 2025 at Barlow Park in Cairns. Kick-off is at 7pm AEST.

Originally published as Tanzania to Townsville: Cowboys enforcer Emarly Bitungane’s unique journey to the NRL