[2] Primarily a hooker, Schifilliti played for the Illawarra Steelers, South Sydney Rabbitohs, North Queensland Cowboys, Adelaide Rams and Parramatta Eels throughout his career.
Born and raised in Ingham, Queensland, Schifilliti is of Italian descent and played his junior rugby league for Herbert River.
In Round 1 of the 1989 NSWRL season, Schifilliti made his first grade debut in Illawarra's 18–22 loss to the St George Dragons, scoring two tries.
In 1994, Schifilliti joined the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the interim and achieved success early, captaining the side in their pre-season Tooheys Challenge Cup final win over the Brisbane Broncos.
In 1995, Schifilliti recovered from his knee injury, passing a late fitness test to start at hooker in the Cowboys inaugural game against the Sydney Bulldogs.