Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin is unconcerned his future at Red Hill is under threat after former Broncos mentor Wayne Bennett put himself on the market for next season.
Bennett announced on Thursday he was leaving the Newcastle Knights at the end of the year and was considering his coaching options. A return to St George Illawarra, where he won the 2010 premiership, is the likeliest scenario, but Bennett’s 21-year association with the Broncos means he will always be linked to the club.
Griffin, however, isn’t worried about the speculation. “None whatsoever,” he said when asked if he was feeling pressure to hold his position. “As I said four years ago, there are probably 15 (other coaches) there is pressure on every week and that has nothing to do with me.”
What does concern Griffin is the Broncos’ match against the Penrith Panthers at Sportingbet Stadium tonight. Brisbane is seventh on the NRL ladder, wedged in a traffic jam of sides on 20 points. Tonight’s result could prove crucial to the club’s chances of playing in the finals – a fact not lost on Broncos five-eighth Josh Hoffman.
“We are sort of coming into the business end of the season now,” he said. “We are really focussing hard on our training. Hopefully we can get back to the drawing board.”
Strengthening the Broncos for the pivotal encounter is the likely return of Queensland State of Origin stars Justin Hodges, Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday and Matt Gillett.
The Panthers didn’t have any players involved in this year’s interstate series, but Hoffman identified live-wire hooker James Segayaro as their biggest threat. “He will be a key factor for their go forward, and their forward pack will be relying on him,” he said.
