Nine teams from across Brisbane competed for the premiership, which culminated in a grand final match between the Redcliffe and Past Brothers clubs.

The 1987 season is significant as most Rugby League historians view it as the final season of the BRL as a true top-tier competition, as the entry of the Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Giants into the NSWRL Premiership in 1988 devastated the BRL by stripping it of mainstream media coverage and players.

The Brethren were without captain Trevor Bailey, who would also miss the Winfield State League and two rounds of the regular season.

Second-row forward Gary Smith captained Brothers in Bailey's absence, the side winning 18–4 after taking the lead in the 33rd minute.

Toowoomba were only the second non-Brisbane side to make the state league finals, but lost by 22 points to Wynnum-Manly in the semi-finals.