Broncos skipper Corey Parker has launched an impassioned defence of coach Anthony Griffin amid speculation Brisbane may attempt to entice Wayne Bennett back to the NRL club.

An irritated Parker said the under-pressure Griffin had the complete support of the playing group in his third season in charge at Red Hill.

The Broncos sit seventh following a gutting one-point loss to Penrith on Monday night, but could drop as low as 11th with another defeat to the New Zealand Warriors this weekend.

Parker said Griffin – contracted though to the end of next season – did not deserve to have his position under question.

“It really bugs me,” the Queensland Origin lock said on Wednesday afternoon.

“I realise the industry is a results-driven industry but I can assure you on behalf of myself and (co-captain) Justin (Hodges) that the coach has got an enormous amount of support from the playing group.

“We back him 100 per cent.”

Parker denied there were any signs criticism or rumours were affecting the “laidback” Griffin and stressed Brisbane’s players respected his coaching style.

“He’s really transparent and genuine in how he goes about his business,” he said. “From the other side of the fence that’s refreshing.

“He’s never tried to sugarcoat anything. He’s black and white – there’s no grey – and that’s one of his greatest traits.”

Despite reports linking foundation coach Bennett with the Broncos, club greats and former skippers Darren Lockyer and Gorden Tallis have both said the club should move forward rather than back.

Parker showed his frustration that Bennett’s impending departure from Newcastle seems to be having an affect on Griffin’s position.

“What Wayne had done here and what he’s done in his career has been amazing,” he said. “But Wayne left in 2008 – we’re in 2014 and we’re still talking about Wayne.

“I’ve got the utmost respect for Wayne and talk to him regularly but Wayne is not here, and Hook is and the respect he’s got within the playing group and organisation here is of the highest quality.”