Courtney signed for St Helens on 21 November 1974, he made his début for St. Helens as an substitute in the 10-9 victory over York at Clarence Street , York on Sunday 6 April 1975, he made his starting début for St. Helens in the 22-31 defeat by Wales in the testimonial friendly at Knowsley Road , St. Helens on Sunday 20 April 1975, he made his competitive starting début for St. Helens in the 15-29 defeat by Featherstone Rovers at Post Office Road , Featherstone on Sunday 5 October 1975, he played his last match for St. Helens in the 21-25 defeat by Salford at The Willows , Salford on Friday 7 September 1979.
He made his début for Warrington on Wednesday 26 September 1979, and he played his last match for Warrington on Sunday 9 October 1983.
During the 1980–81 season , Courtney played at prop in Warrington 's 26-10 victory over Wigan in the 1980 Lancashire Cup Final at Knowsley Road , St. Helens , on Saturday 4 October 1980, and played at prop in Warrington 's 12-5 victory over Barrow in the 1980–81 John Player Trophy Final at Central Park , Wigan on Saturday 24 January 1981.[ citation needed ]
Courtney played at prop in the 16-0 victory over St. Helens in the 1982 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1982–83 season at Central Park , Wigan on Saturday 23 October 1982.
Courtney was signed by Wigan in January 1984.[ 3] substitute in the 10–22 defeat by Fulham RLFC at Craven Cottage , Fulham on 19 February 1984. He scored his only try for Wigan in the 18–36 defeat by Leeds at Headingley , Leeds on 31 March 1985.
Courtney played at prop in Wigan's 18–26 defeat by St. Helens in the 1984 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1984–85 season at Central Park , Wigan on Sunday 28 October 1984. He also played at prop in Wigan's 28–24 victory over Hull F.C. in the 1985 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium , London on Saturday 4 May 1985.[ 4]
He played his last match for Wigan as a substitute in the 14–8 victory over New Zealand in the 1985 New Zealand tour of England and France match at Central Park , Wigan on 6 October 1985.
In December 1985, Courtney was taken to hospital after dislocating his shoulder in a training accident. The dislocation had caused internal bleeding, requiring an emergency operation.[ 5] [ 6]
Courtney won one cap for Great Britain while at Warrington in 1982, appearing as a substitute against Australia in the Third Test of the 1982 Kangaroo Tour .[ 1] [ 7]