Career
A Country New South Wales representative fullback he previously played for the Illawarra Steelers and the Street George Illawarra Dragons. An Illawarra junior, Patten acquired the nickname "General" because of his surname"s similarity to that of General Patton. He played for the Saint George Illawarra Dragons at fullback in the 1999 NRL Grand Final loss to the Melbourne Storm.
He moved to the Canterbury Bulldogs the following year.
As 2004 NRL premiers, the Bulldogs faced Super League IX champions, the Leeds Rhinos in the 2005 World Club Challenge. Patten played at fullback and scored a try in the Bulldogs" 32-39 loss.
Patten was selected for Country in the City vs Country match on 8 May 2009. In 2009, Patten was 19th man for the New South Wales Blues in Game 3.
On 27 July 2010 it was confirmed that Patten would be moving to Europe"s Super League, linking up with English club Salford City Reds for 3 years from the 2011 season.
Patten and Trent Barrett, who retired at the end of the 2010 NRL season, were the joint last remaining former Illawarra Steelers players to play in the NRL.
Junior Club: Corrimal Cougars
First grade debut: Round 3, 1998 - Illawarra v Newcastle Knights, WIN Stadium. NSW Game 3, 18th Manitoba - 2009. 100th First Grade Try, 30th July 2010.
