Derek joined Hull Kinston Rovers in 1950. Derek played 141 games for Hull KR over 5 seasons (27 tries). In 1955, Derek joined Oldham Roughyeds, and Derek was a member of Oldham’s 1956 Championship winning team. Derek played 134 games for Oldham over 4 seasons (35 tries, 1 goal). In 1959, Derek joined Wakefield Trinity. Derek led Wakefield Trinity to the; 1960 Championship Final and Challenge Cup, the 1962 Championship Final and Challenge Cup and the 1963 Challenge Cup Final. Derek played 213 games for Wakefield Trinity over 7 seasons (45 tries).
Derek played 10 games for Yorkshire (2 tries). Derek played 24 test matches for Great Britain from 1956-62 (8 tries). Derek played 1 test match for Great Britain and France in 1957 (1 try). Derek played 1 test match for England in 1962.
In 1966 Derek was appointed coach of Castleford Tigers. Derek led Castleford to the 1969 Challenge Cup and Championship Final. Derek coached Castleford for 269 games over 3 seasons (137 wins, 8 draws). In 1959, Derek was appointed coach of the Leeds Rhinos. Derek led Leeds to the 1969 Championship, 1971 and 1972 Challenge Cup Finals. Derek coached Leeds over 3 seasons. In 1983, Derek joined Wakefield Trinity. Derek coached Wakefield Trinity for 1 season.
Derek had a minor role in the film, This Sporting Life.
Derek passed away on July 31 2015.
In 2018, Derek was inducted into the British Rugby League Hall of Fame. Derek is a member of the Oldham Roughyeds Hall of Fame.