Philbin his junior rugby at local amateur clubs Culcheth Eagles and Latchford Albion before joining Warrington Wolves, aged 16.

Philbin played in the 2018 Challenge Cup Final defeat by the Catalans Dragons at Wembley Stadium.

[3] Philbin played in the 2018 Super League Grand Final defeat by Wigan at Old Trafford.

[4] Philbin played in the 2019 Challenge Cup Final victory over St. Helens at Wembley Stadium.

[citation needed] In 2016 he was called up to the Ireland squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup European Pool B qualifiers.