Grudge match? What grudge match?
Wayne Bennett has quickly shut down questions about Anthony Griffin, dismissing talk that the Penrith coach will be out for redemption in Thursday night's NRL clash against his old club Brisbane.
All eyes are on ex-Broncos mentor Griffin at his old stomping ground as he looks to inspire pre-season favourites the Panthers after four straight losses.
Brisbane forward Sam Thaiday this week claimed it may get personal, saying the match would be a "redemption round" for Griffin against the man who replaced him at the Broncos - Bennett.
But Bennett seemed surprised Griffin was even mentioned ahead of their Suncorp Stadium clash.
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Asked if Griffin would have a point to prove against him, Bennett said: "Ask him, I don't know.
"Why is this all about Anthony?
"He sits on the bench like I do. We have no influence at all, mate.
"At the end of the day all that is rubbish."
Griffin's four-season Broncos tenure abruptly concluded at the end of 2014 after foundation coach Bennett announced he would return to Brisbane.
While Bennett played down a personal duel, the Broncos mentor will be keen to end a worrying trend against Griffin.
The Panthers coach has the wood over the master coach, winning eight of 10 games against Bennett-coached teams.
Remarkably, Bennett's record of one win and one draw from 10 matches against Griffin is his worst against any coach with a minimum of five matches' experience.
Third-last Penrith's 2-6 season start is their worst since 2013 while the fifth-placed Broncos are out for four straight wins.
But Bennett said he wouldn't be taking Griffin's Panthers lightly.
"They have a very talented football team, if you don't respect that you are lying to yourself," he said.
"They have just got a bad start to the season - that can happen."
Brisbane have welcomed back winger Jordan Kahu from a groin strain that sidelined him from last round's controversial win over South Sydney.
"He's very reliable, got a goal kicking game that helps us a lot - it's good to have him back," Bennett said.
But the Brisbane coach didn't want to get too excited about Ben Hunt despite the halfback stretching out in running drills at Wednesday training.
"It's a hamstring so it might look good but ... I think he is still two or three weeks away, hopefully less," he said.
Hunt has so far been sidelined for three weeks.
BRONCOS V PANTHERS
* Brisbane have won three of their last nine games against Penrith
* Penrith will be aiming for three straight wins over Brisbane for the second time and first occasion since 1990
* Penrith will be looking to avoid losing five straight for the first time since Round 22, 2015
