Michael Beattie initially played for Bexly Kingsgrove and Brighton Seagulls in the St. George Junior Rugby League, but began his senior career playing Five-eighth/Stand-off for Western Suburbs Red Devils. In 1980, he debuted with the St. George Dragons, where he formed a Centre partnership with Brian Johnston during the 1980s, coached by Roy Masters, he played left-centre, i.e. number 4, in the 6-7 defeat by Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the Grand final during the 1985 NSWRL season, he signed for Castleford from St. George Dragons on 1 June 1987, back at St. George Dragons, he was named 'Captain Of The Year' in the 1992 Dally M Awards, coached by Brian Smith and was captain in the 8-28 defeat by Brisbane Broncos in the Grand final during the 1992 NSWRL season, after which he retired from playing.