Steve joined City Rovers in 1929. Steve played 77 games for City Rovers over 7 seasons (11 tries, 118 goals). In 1936, Steve moved to Manukau Magpies as a founding member and the inaugural captain. Steve guided Manukau to winning the 1936 premiership. Steve played 31 games for Manukau over 2 seasons (10 tries, 29 goals).In 1938 Steve played 5 games for Newton over 1 season (1 try). In 1939, Steve returned to Manukau. Steve helped Manukau to back-to-back premierships in 1942 & 1943. Steve played 56 games for Manukau over 5 seasons (13 tries, 6 goals). In 1944, Steve joined Newton as captain-coach, though he retired before playing a game.
Steve played 4 games for Auckland from 1929-37 (1 try, 14 goals). Steve played 6 test matches for New Zealand from 1930-37. Steve captained New Zealand from 1936-37. Steve played for New Zealand Māori team in 1937. In 1936 Steve became the first New Zealand Māori to captain New Zealand.
Steve coached Newton in 1944 for 23 games (3 wins).
After retiring, Steve entered politics. In 1953, Steve was elected to Mount Wellington Borough Council, and Steve served on Mout Wellington Borough Council for 3 years. Mt Wellington Borough Council named Watene Road after Steve. In 1963, Steve entered national politics as a member of Eastern Māori from 1963-67.
Steve passed away on June 14, 1967.
In 2008, Steve was inducted as a New Zealand Legend of League. Steve is the great-grandfather of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Malaki Watene-Zelezniak.