Mears played for Ingleburn Bulldogs, Eaglevale St Andrews, Campbelltown City Kangaroos, and Austral Rams in the Western Suburbs District Junior League.
[2] Mears joined the Eastern Suburbs Roosters in 1993 and made his first grade debut in Round 14, coming off the bench against the Parramatta Eels.
Not wanted by the Bulldogs for 1999, Mears moved into the bush and played for the Ourimbah Magpies in the Country Rugby League Central Coast Division.
His form was good enough to make the Country Firsts team for the curtain raiser to the ANZAC Test, where his performance got him noticed by several NRL clubs.
He was signed by the Auckland Warriors after injuries to both Syd Eru and Jason Death, and made his debut for the club in Round 11.
Not retained by the Tigers after the 2004 season, Mears instead joined the Mittagong Lions club in the Country Rugby League Group 6 competition.
[8][9] In April 2005 Mears returned to England, joining the Leigh Centurions on a one-year contract, with an option for a second year.