Tyrell Fuimaono has opened up on the online criticism he received in the wake of his high shot on Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen during Magic Round.
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The Dragons forward became the poster boy for the NRL's high-tackle crackdown, the incident becoming a prime example of what the league is attempting to eliminate from the game
The Dragons forward was sent off for the tackle and handed a five-game suspension by the match-review committee.
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Papenhuyzen was knocked unconscious and later taken from the field on a medicab. He made his return to action on Friday night after sitting on the sidelines for 10 weeks.
With their star fullback sidelined, Fuimaono felt the wrath of Melbourne fans on social media.
"There was a bit of scrutiny and a lot of unhappy Melbourne fans giving me their two cents," Fuimaono said. "Unfortunately we have people like that that feel they're obligated to put their two cents in.
"I just block that out, given the social platform people have, there's no restrictions on what they get to say. They can say whatever they want from the safety of their home and there's no kickback for them."
The NRL was vocal about their determination to stand firm in response to heavy criticism of their high-tackle crackdown.
The stance seems to have softened in recent weeks, with the number of sin bins and send offs declining. High tackle charges have also decreased considerably.
Fuimaono said it's a shift the players have appreciated.
"I don't think we changed our tackling technique in regards to tackling around the legs because it's not viable in the way that people play and the way the game's going.
"It's already fast as it is and if we were to include legs tackling as such, then no teams would be able to keep up. It's just not compatible.
"I do think the game overall has taken a step back with its harshness on penalising and bins for high shots."
Meanwhile, Jordan Pereira confirmed he has signed a two-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos.
The Mercury first reported Brisbane's interest in June, with the winger departing the Dragons at the end of the season.
With six games remaining at the club, Pereira is determined to finish his time with St George Illawarra on a positive note.
"I've only had one club and that's the Dragons," Pereira said. "When that door closed, it was just time to look around for another opportunity elsewhere. [Brisbane] popped up and that was the best for myself personally and for my family.
"I've got a six-month old son and my wife who are over in the Gold Coast in quarantine. They're from Queensland, I'm very close with their family, so just having some support around my family and my son is going to be massive for us going forward.
"Football-wise, change will be really good for myself and could be an opportunity to learn from new coaches. It's an outstanding club, it's a good opportunity for me."