A winger, Phillip first played for the Ngongotaha Chiefs. In 1972 Phillip St George (Wellington). Phillip played for St George for 4 seasons.
Phillip played for Bay of Plenty until 1971. From 1972-75 Phillip played for Wellington. Phillip played 21 test matches for New Zealand from 1969-75 (15 tries). In 1976 Phillip represented New Zealand Māori (1 try).
In 2001, Phillip was inducted into the New Zealand Legends of League. In 2007, Phillip was selected on the wing in the New Zealand Team of the Century. In 2012 Phillip was named on the wing in the Wellington Team of the Century.
Phillip passed away on July 29, 2018.