Batten made his début for Hunslet in February 1907 in a 15–0 victory over Barrow. He helped the club win "All Four Cups" in 1907–08. He was selected to play for Great Britain during the 1908–09 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain. Batten was also a member of the first British touring team to travel to Australasia under the leadership of James Lomas in 1910. He was selected to play during the tour against Australia (2 matches), Australasia (2 matches), and New Zealand.