Cecil Gilbert played junior rugby league with the Parramatta North Club between 1921 and 1924. He initially played as a hooker but by the time he made grade football he was a front row forward.
His progress in rugby league was marked by him winning, in 1922, the medal for the most improved forward in Parramatta North’s A Grade team. Cec was graded with Wests in 1924 and remained with the Club for three seasons.