Brunker made his first grade debut for Newcastle in round 4 of the
1990 NSWRL season against Penrith in a 6–6 draw. Brunker went on to play for Newcastle in the club's first finals appearance in 1992. In 1994, Brunker joined the Gold Coast and spent 2 years at the club as they finished near the bottom of the table in both seasons. In 1996, Brunker joined St George and played in the
1996 ARL Grand Final against
Manly-Warringah which St George lost 20–8. Brunker played in St. George's final game before they formed a joint venture with the
Illawarra Steelers to become
St. George Illawarra. A semi-final loss to
Canterbury-Bankstown at
Kogarah Oval. In 1999, Brunker joined English side Wakefield Trinity and played one season with them before retiring. ==References==