His side faces the toughest run to the NRL finals of any top eight contender, but Penrith interim coach Steve Georgallis can see only positives in his daunting assignment.

Currently two points behind eighth-placed Newcastle, the Panthers face five teams above them on the ladder in the remaining six matches.

Lining up over the next four weeks are North Queensland, Melbourne, Wests Tigers and the Warriors.

The only respite, if you can call it that, is a trip to chilly Canberra to face the Raiders in the penultimate round, before closing out the regular season with a match-up against premiers St George Illawarra in Wollongong.

But for Georgallis, the schedule presents an opportunity to prove a point, both as a team and on a personal level.

"These are the top teams in the comp so it gives us an idea of whether we can compete with them or not," said Georgallis, who was happy with his side's effort in going down to second-placed Manly on Sunday.

"I feel we competed with them on the weekend. I suppose the thing we can take out of the game is that we can compete with these teams so our destiny's in our own hands.

"It's not an easy run.

"If we can do it we'll be beating teams that will be in the finals.

"You don't want to just make up the numbers in the finals, you want to be competitive."

On a personal note, lifting the Panthers into the top eight will be a fairly impressive headline in the resume as he looks to secure another job.

While he has had feelers from Super League, Georgallis is determined to continue his coaching career in Australia.

He has thrown his hat in the ring for the Canterbury job, but he would be more than willing to take up a role as an assistant if the opportunity presented.

"I know if we do well, get into the finals, it's only going to help my chances," Georgallis said.

While 2011 remains a focus for club and coach, the Panthers continued solidifying their playing roster for next season with backrowers Nigel Plum and Nathan Smith re-signing for a further two years.

Skipper Petero Civoniceva on Tuesday announced he would be heading back to Brisbane next year while former Test backrower Trent Waterhouse will leave for Warrington at the end of the season.

Along with recently re-signed lock and likely 2012 captain Luke Lewis, Plum and Smith are set to combine for what will be a powerful back row.

"It's great to have some stability for my family and to be able to continue my relationship with the Panthers," said Plum, who has been forced to settle for one-year deals the last four years.

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