Originally a Rugby Union player, Alister began playing Rugby League in 1948 when he joined Linwood Keas. Alister played 11 seasons for Linwood.
Alister played for Canterbury from 1948-56. Alister played 24 test matches for New Zealand from 1951-56 (4 tries).
Alister was a Canterbury Rugby league board member from 1968-76. In 1976, Alister served as chairman of the Canterbury Rugby League. Alister served as a provincial selector and team manager for New Zealand in 1974.
In 2013, Alister was inducted as a New Zealand Legend of League as part of the Canterbury Rugby League centenary.
Alister passed away on December 9 2002.