Tatana began his career playing in the
Auckland Rugby League for the
Glenora Bears and the
Mount Albert Lions and representing
Auckland. During this time he played in nine Test matches for the
New Zealand national rugby league team. In his later years, Tatana moved to
Sydney, playing five seasons in the
NSWRL First Grade competition. He played for
Canterbury-Bankstown from 1972 to 1974, before joining
St. George for two seasons in 1975 and 1976, playing under captain-coach
Graeme Langlands. The Dragons paid Canterbury $5000, with Tatana earning $12,000 per year. Tatana was a prop forward in the Dragons'
1975 Grand Final team. A fine goalkicker and prop forward, he was St George's top scorer in 1976 (his final season there), with 105 points. Tatana captain–coached
Newcastle Rugby League club
Cessnock Goannas to a grand final win in 1977, his first year with them. He was president of the Cessnock club between 1984 and 1986. An award bearing his name is presented by the Cessnock Goannas each year. ==Representative career==