Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin is under no more pressure than any other NRL coach according to playmaker Andrew McCullough despite Wayne Bennett’s decision to leave Newcastle.

The supercoach’s future is up in the air following his decision to walk away from the Knights at season’s end.

A return to St George Illawarra looks the most likely outcome for the 64-year-old although coming back to the Broncos is also not out of the question.

Bennett forged his career during a 20-year stint in Brisbane from 1988 to 2008, leading the club in 532 games and taking them to six premierships.

Pressure is mounting on Griffin to deliver finals football this season, with speculation the Broncos will sack the 47-year-old if he can’t register a top four finish this season.

McCullough, who will return from injury in Monday’s trip to Penrith, says there’s always pressure on coaches and Bennett’s decision won’t affect day-to-day operations at the Broncos.

“You look at the comp now, there’s six teams on 20 points and it’s probably the same for their coaches as well,” he said.

“It’s no different for us. You could look at anyone in the comp who might think they’re not going as well.

“For us it’s a week-by-week thing and if you win football games it takes the pressure off anyone.”

The Broncos’ hopes of a top four finish took a hit in their last fixture as they blew a 22-point lead to go down 24-22 to lowly Cronulla.

That loss leaves Brisbane sixth going into Monday’s clash against the Panthers, who continue to confound the critics by holding onto top spot in the competition.

State of Origin quartet Matt Gillett, Justin Hodges, Corey Parker and Sam Thaiday are all poised to back-up for the Broncos, while McCullough is returning for his first match since Brisbane defeated Canberra on June 9.

“That’s obviously a positive against a side that’s on top of the table, it’ll be good to get everyone back,” he said.