Penrith NRL coach Anthony Griffin has quashed speculation of tension between him and Phil Gould, declaring he has no issue with his boss's increased involvement in coaching the team.
Gould is understood to have spent more time with the players during the off-season, sparking conjecture around Griffin's role as head coach.
But before his team's season-opener on Sunday against arch rivals Parramatta - which also marks the return of Jarryd Hayne - Griffin insisted Gould's input had only been a benefit.
"Ever since I've been here, we've always worked closely together," Griffin said on Saturday.
"He works closely with the staff; he's got a good temperament on when to get involved and when not to get involved.
"From my point of view, it's not an issue.
"To have a guy like that within your club, in the role he's in, and that's across all areas of the business, it can only be an asset to the club."
Panthers players this week spoke glowingly of their one-on-one coaching with Gould, who led the club to their maiden premiership in 1991 before returning in 2011 as general manager.
Griffin said it was only natural the man renowned as the most-successful NSW coach in State of Origin history would be as much a help on the training paddock and in video rooms.
"A lot of it is individual stuff or just where he thinks he can have some input," Griffin said.
"You know what Gus is like - you won't see him for a while and you don't know where he is. But he's obviously a great football brain.
"So any time that he's got a suggestion or something on a player, it's obviously something that's a benefit to us as a club."
The Panthers will be without Dean Whare due to a hamstring injury that should keep him out for a week, while winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (ankle) is certain to play.
The match also marks Hayne's return to Parramatta, having he left in 2014 to pursue a NFL career. It will be his 200th NRL match.
STATS THAT MATTER:
* Jarryd Hayne also played his 50th and 100th games against the Panthers. He inspired the Eels to a 34-28 win in his 100th after being down 22-0
* The past five clashes between these two sides have been decided by six points or less, with the Eels' three wins coming by six points each
* Penrith have lost both round-one matches under Anthony Griffin by an average of 20 points
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