Corley played club rugby for Dublin University and later for Wanderers. He was one of the first Irish players to specialise as a fly-half, and was described as a brilliant attacking player and a splendid drop-kicker. He first played international rugby for Ireland as part of the team that faced England in the 1902 Home Nations Championship on the 8 February. A halfback, he was partnered in his first international with Louis Magee, with whom he would play the next five games. Although Ireland lost the first match, Corley was reselected for the next international, a win over Scotland at Dublin. The game against Scotland also saw Corley score his first points at international level, converting Gerry Doran's try. The last game of the Championship saw Ireland lose to 15-0 to Wales.