[6] Brough was working in the fishing industry and his main interest was sailing model yachts until, aged 17, he joined some other young men in forming a rugby union club.

[7][8] Various rugby league sides were now taking note of Brough's ability, including Barrow, Huddersfield, Hull FC, Swinton and Warrington.

He then discovered that he was unlikely to supplant Liverpool's incumbent goalkeeper, Elisha Scott, and when rugby league club Leeds offered him a signing-on fee in excess of £600, he joined the ranks of professional rugby league footballers.

[9] Brough played fullback in Leeds' 11–8 victory over Swinton in the 1931–32 Challenge Cup Final at Central Park, Wigan, on Saturday 7 May 1932, in front of a crowd of 29,000, then was captain in the 18–2 victory over Huddersfield in the 1935–36 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 18 April 1936, in front of a crowd of 51,250, he missed the 19–2 victory over Halifax in the 1940–41 Challenge Cup Final at Odsal Stadium, Bradford, and played fullback in the 15–10 victory over Halifax in the 1941–42 Challenge Cup Final at Odsal Stadium, Bradford, on Saturday 6 June 1942.

[12] Aside from his club roles, Brough was also coach of the Great Britain rugby league team.