A goal-kicking utility back, Lilley began in provincial rugby with Taranaki in 1993 and moved to Canterbury four years later, spending the rest of the decade playing fullback with the Crusaders.[4] He contributed to the Crusaders' first Super 12 title win in 1998, scoring the winning try in the semi-final against the Sharks.[5] After returning to Taranaki in 2000, Lilley began playing for the Hurricanes, which used him mainly as a winger. He finished his career with a season at the Newcastle Falcons, as injury cover for Jonny Wilkinson, then two seasons with Rugby Viadana in Italy.[6]
