Born in Ambleside, Cumberland, Beetham started his career playing rugby union in his hometown before signing for Wigan in 1924.
He spent seven years at Wigan, playing 262 first team games for the club and scoring 10 tries before signing for Barrow in 1931.
Tom Beetham played at prop in Wigan's 22–10 victory over Warrington in the Championship Final during the 1925–26 season at Knowsley Road, St. Helens on Saturday 8 May 1926.
[2] Tom Beetham played at prop in Wigan's 13–2 victory over Dewsbury in the 1928–29 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 4 May 1929.
[3] Tom Beetham played at prop in Wigan's 5–4 victory over Widnes in the 1928–29 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1928–29 season at Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington on Saturday 24 November 1928.