They competed in the NSWRL's 1989 Winfield Cup premiership and in their second year improved on their first, finishing the season in sixth position after losing their first ever play-off match against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
The Broncos did however claim their first piece of silverware by winning the mid-week knock-out 1989 Panasonic Cup competition.
Broncos trio Allan Langer, Michael Hancock and Kerrod Walters were selected to make their international debuts for Australia in 1989.
Coach Wayne Bennett said a mid-season Kangaroo Tour to New Zealand in 1989 contributed to the Broncos failing to reach the finals.
Brisbane contributed captain Wally Lewis, Tony Currie, Peter Jackson, Michael Hancock, Kerrod Walters and Sam Backo - more players than any other club - to the successful Australian team, losing all three of their matches while they were away.