North Queensland's Ben Harris is determined to hang onto his centres spot in 2009 after re-signing with the NRL club for another three years.

Cowboys-bound coach Neil Henry is expected to shift Harris into the back-row next year to accommodate marquee recruit and former Test centre Willie Tonga.

"I'm going to try and stay out in the centres as long as I can," Harris said.

"There's going to be competition for spots which is good because we want a bit of depth.

"I'll just have to keep playing the way I'm playing and get better each week."

Former Bulldog Harris has scored four tries in his 10 appearances for the Cowboys after arriving in Townsville in late 2007 following a three-year stint with English club Bradford.

The Country Origin representative has already played two matches in the back-row this season - in losses to Melbourne and South Sydney - and impressed former coach Graham Murray with his high work rate.

"I can always improve," Harris said about his 2008 form.

"I'm a pretty hard judge on myself but I suppose I'm fairly happy."

North Queensland legend Paul Bowman, who this week joined caretaker coach Ian Millward's revamped staff, said Harris had proved a valuable asset for the club.

"I think he's been pretty strong for us wherever he's played," said Bowman.

"He's probably been one of our most consistent players."

In another boost to the 15th-placed Cowboys, who have lost their past four matches, Wollongong-born second-rower Steve Southern has extended his contract until the end of 2010.

Southern has played 88 first grade games for North Queensland since 2004.

St George Illawarra are expected to target Jacob Lillyman after the Cowboys told the Queensland Origin forward to test the market.

Bowman has admitted that confidence was low in the Cowboys camp heading into Saturday's clash with Penrith at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

"The confidence is down but there's only one way to go and hopefully we start moving up," he said.

"Hopefully the players are determined to make a change and play to their potential.

"They've been struggling for the past few weeks. Changes have been made (in the coaching staff) but you can't just expect them to turn up and go well against Penrith.

"They've really got to work hard and get back to playing the way we know they can."

Lillyman is tipped to be dumped from the Maroons squad for Origin II in Brisbane on June 11 while club teammate Carl Webb faces demotion to the bench.

Test halfback Thurston is certain to retain his place, despite being out of form, while Webb will be out for a big match against Penrith's inspirational leader Petero Civoniceva.

The Panthers, who like North Queensland are coming off a bye, have won five of their past seven matches.

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