In Auckland Watene joined the City rugby league club in the Auckland Rugby League competition in 1929 and represented and captained Auckland. He debuted for Auckland in a 22–19 win over Northland at Carlaw Park. In the 1933 Auckland Rugby League season Watene top scored in the senor grade competitions with 77 points from 1 try, 26 conversions and 11 penalties. In 1936 Watene joined the newly re-formed Manukau side. He was the club's captain and played a major role in attracting many other Māori players to the club. As a result, Manukau quickly became a force in the Auckland competition, winning both the Fox Memorial and Roope Rooster in their debut year. He also played lock for the New Zealand Māori rugby league team, who secured a famous 16–5 victory over Australia in 1937 at Carlaw Park in front of 11,000 spectators.