Veteran Brisbane forward Corey Parker says it was a simple misunderstanding that saw him sin-binned by referee Matt Cecchin in Friday night's 33-10 NRL loss to Penrith.

Brisbane were on the attack and trailing by 14 points in the 66th minute, when Parker was sin-binned for dissent by Cecchin in a decision that killed off any chance of a Broncos fightback.

It is believed Parker swore at one of his teammates as Brisbane prepared to take advantage of a penalty, and Cecchin felt the comment was directed towards him.

Parker was heard to say "I can say whatever I like to my players", to which Cecchin replied "I've been around long enough to know where it was aimed".

But after the match Parker said he would be vindicated by audio of the incident that saw him marched, although he has no ill feeling towards the inexperienced whistle-blower.

"Look, I think journos and people of the public have got access to (Sports Ears), so players are aware what is being said (can be heard by everyone)," Parker told AAP.

"But I think if you listen to (the exchange) he's got a misunderstanding of what was said.

"That's about all I can say on it to be honest."

Penrith coach Matt Elliott was critical of the incredible scenes, which also saw Panthers' skipper Petero Civoniceva sent to the bin without a reason.

"I'd like to give a tip ... and I don't want it to be taken in the wrong way but it is really easy to command respect when you give it," Elliott said.

When pressed on whether he was given a reason by Cecchin for the sin-binning Civoniceva simply said: "I asked for one".

But the underfire referee found an unlikely ally in the form of Brisbane captain Darren Lockyer, who said he felt the sin bin still had a place in the modern game.

"I don't know the full details of what Petero said or what Corey said, so I don't want to comment on that incident, but I think the sin bin has a purpose," he told AAP.

"I know we use it for professional fouls but I think dissent towards the referee is not a good look for the game, and I'm not commenting on this particular incident but I don't have a problem with referee's using the sin bin to try and take control of the game.

"The referee is the one who makes the final decision, so whatever referee I've been involved with I know that they've got the whistle so you can't beat them."

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