[5] Originally from the Ellerslie Eagles club, Gailey made his international debut for the New Zealand national rugby league team in 1969 against Australia.
In 1973 he moved to the Manukau club, accepting a position as player-coach.
Gailey returned to Manukau as player-coach for the 1976 season and in 1979 led them to a Roope Rooster victory.
A noted toughman, Gailey had laid out Jimmy Thompson during his last test series against the Great Britain Lions in 1974.
When he played the Lions five years later for Auckland, Gailey had a target on his back.