sentences:  In Auckland Watene joined the City rugby league club in the Auckland Rugby League competition and represented and captained Auckland, before joining the Manukau club as a foundation member in 1936.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.