Brisbane played for the Marist Old Boys in the Auckland Rugby League competition debuting in 1923.
In 1924, Brisbane represented Auckland City against the touring Great Britain Lions.
He then made his debut for New Zealand, becoming Kiwi number 153.He was a part of the 1926–27 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain, which was marred by the strike action by six of the forwards including Marist teammate Arthur Singe.
[3] At the end of the 1934 season Brisbane had decided to retire and Marist played a benefit match in his honour against Newton Rangers.
Hec Brisbane died on 26 March 1963, and was buried at Waikaraka Cemetery in Onehunga.