Yet Griffin has preferred Sydney Roosters recruit Martin Kennedy, who averages 71m and 23 tackles a match, making him the least productive Brisbane prop.
Hannant - who played in five straight State of Origin series wins for Queensland until 2012 - was even pipped for a bench spot this week by fringe forward David Hala.
What made the call more surprising was that Brisbane - already without test backrower Sam Thaiday (calf) - will tonight take on North Queensland, who boast what Griffin admits is arguably the NRL's best pack.
It seemed only to add to speculation that Hannant - one of the highest-paid Broncos at around $500,000 - could seek a release and not see out his contract.
But at an awkward press conference, Griffin insisted Hannant's dumping was performance-based.
"It was a very tough call," Griffin said. "I haven't heard the rift rumours.
"He was all right [when dumped], same as Todd Lowrie would have taken it a few weeks ago, like any player.
"I made a call. Ben knows what I want him to improve on and understands where I am coming from. We have been black and white about it.
"It's not a major issue."
Asked if Hannant had a future at the Broncos, Griffin said: "I think so, like any other player. He's been here a while and done a good job for us."
When pressed on his Hannant call, Griffin said: "I care about all of our players. Sometimes telling them what they don't want to hear is the way to help them the most.
"It is not a turkey shoot. I am trying to get the guy to improve his football and I am here to help him."
Griffin admitted a big challenge awaited Kennedy against a Cowboys pack boasting the test front row of Matt Scott and James Tamou.
"He [Kennedy] has been like us, he's not been at his best every week," he said. "He's got an opportunity to do a job for us tomorrow night."
-AAP
