Millward was sacked by Wigan after just nine games of the 2006 season

The Australian will be unveiled as Leigh's coaching co-ordinator for the rest of 2006 later on Friday.

But he has already signed a two-year deal to act as Graham Murray's deputy at the Cowboys from 2007.

"I achieved all of my goals and dreams in the UK and have always had a desire to return to the NRL," said Millward.

"The age and quality of the Cowboys players along with the profile of the club were big factors in settling with the North Queensland Cowboys."

Millward replaces Cowboys assistant Neil Henry, who takes over as Canberra head coach next season.

Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr is delighted to have recruited Millward, who was sacked as Wigan coach just nine games into the Super League season.

Ian is a bit ring rusty and it will help him get back into the swing of things before he returns to Australia Leigh football director Stephen Grainey

"Securing Ian as an assistant to Graham Murray is a real coup for the Cowboys," said Parr.

"Winning five major titles during his time in the UK shows that we are getting a coach of the highest calibre."

Millward guided St Helens to five major trophies in five years, including two Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cup finals and the 2001 World Club Challenge.

He was sacked in 2005 for gross misconduct but was quickly back in the game as coach of Super League rivals Wigan.

FIVE LIVE VIEW I'll be sorry to see him go. He's a great coach and it's a shame he won't be staying in the UK BM Five Live: Have your say

However, he failed to work his magic at the JJB Stadium and was axed after guiding his side to just one win from their first eight league games in 2006.

But for now, Millward will return to his first English club Leigh to work alongside head coach Tony Benson for the rest of the season.

Millward's joined the Centurions in 1998 and led them to the top of what was then the Northern Ford Premiership before replacing Ellery Hanley at Saints in 2000.

"We're very good friends with Ian," said Leigh football director Stephen Grainey. "He still lives in Leigh.

"The move was made at Tony's request. He believes two heads work better than one.

"And it will work both ways. Ian is a bit ring rusty and it will help him get back into the swing of things before he returns to Australia."