[1] Stirling played for the Ellerslie club in the Auckland Rugby League and in 1971 won the Rothville Trophy as player of the year and the Bert Humphries Memorial as most improved back.
He made his debut for the New Zealand National Rugby League Team that same year and went on to play in 22 Test matches, scoring four tries.
Stirling would have played in more Test matches if it was not for an injury, he missed the 1972 World Cup and retired from international football in 1976 before returning in 1978.
[3] Stirling was an Auckland representative and won the New Zealand Rugby League Player of the Year award in 1974.
[3] In 1982, Stirling helped found the Hibiscus Coast Raiders club and served on their foundation committee.