He played for the Balmain Tigers, Eastern Suburbs and the North Queensland Cowboys in the Australian Rugby League and NRL competitions.
Bourke made his first grade debut for Balmain in Round 1 1994 against North Sydney at Leichhardt Oval, kicking 3 goals in a 33–22 loss.
In 1995 at the start of the Super League war, Balmain cut several players and moved their home games to Parramatta Stadium.
Bourke then moved to the Sydney City Roosters for the 1997 season who had only recently changed their name from Eastern Suburbs.
In 2000, Bourke only made 3 appearances for the club and was released at the end of the season as North Queensland finished last and claimed the wooden spoon.