But rewind to the 2014 grand final, when Norths began their record-breaking run of six straight premierships, and the 30-year-old prop found himself on the wing scoring tries as the Bears thumped Gunnedah 56-18.

A trip to the football World Cup in Brazil meant he missed a large chunk of that season, and Bears coach Brad "Spitter" McManus was loathe to change a winning side.

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"Spitter said to me, 'Well, we haven't lost a game when you left, so you can either play reserve grade or you can play on the wing - you choose.'"

Seven years on, and Cooper and Brock Wadwell are the only current Bears who have played in all six premiership-winning sides.

But despite the towering success, which includes two Clayton Cups, it is the warm atmosphere permeating throughout the Bears that Cooper finds most fulfilling.

"I guess it's a nice personal achievement," he said of the 100-game milestone. "But I'm more proud to be involved in the club."

At Jack Woolaston Oval on Saturday afternoon, North Tamworth will look for revenge when they meet red-hot Kootingal-Moonbi.

The competition leaders beat Norths 30-12 at Kootingal in round two, the first of three losses this season for the reigning premiers, who sit third on the ladder three points behind the Roosters.

Cooper said: "I still think we've got a good side ... We know we've got a lot of work to do, don't worry about that.

"But on our day, I think we can compete - most definitely. Hopefully we show that today [against Kooty]. We've just got to find some consistency - that's really where we're struggling a bit."

It was announced this week that Cooper has resigned as NIAS's chief executive officer and will join Wests Entertainment Group as its deputy CEO.

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