McPhail arrived in England aboard the S.S.
Arawa, on 15 November 1909, together with
Lance Todd. Both players signed for the
Wigan club and McPhail played his first match for Wigan in the A team against
Widnes on 27 November 1909. He was unable to break into the first team at Wigan and on 2 September 1910 he was transferred to
St. Helens, joining fellow New Zealanders
Arthur Kelly and
Herbert Turtill. McPhail made his début for St Helens against
Oldham Bears on 3 September 1910 however he made just ten appearances for the club and left at the end of the season. The next week they lost 5-28 to the touring
New South Wales side before recording their first win, against
Hawkes Bay in Napier, 10-8. McPhail was involved in the foundation of the Sydenham club on 7 February 1913 and became the club captain. ==References==