Reilly was also known as 'The Axe' because of his defensive technique, which it was said allowed him to chop down opposition attackers like an axe. Reilly was a member of the Eastern Suburbs premiership-winning sides in 1974 and 1975. During the 1976 NSWRFL season, Reilly played as a prop forward for Eastern Suburbs in their unofficial 1976 World Club Challenge match against British champions St. Helens in Sydney.
Also a backrower, Reilly played almost 200 matches for the Roosters and was named as a bench player in that club's 'Team of the Century'.
During the 1990 season, Reilly helped out the club as a caretaker coach.