Outspoken NRL Chairman Peter V'Landys has hit back at "trolls" after he was on the receiving end of online abuse following his decision to crackdown on head-high hits.
The new interpretation of rules regarding high-hits has been the main talking point in rugby league over the past week, with V'Landys telling the Daily Telegraph that the abuse is taking a toll on his family.
In reponse to V'Landys' comments, SEN host Andrew Voss defended the Chairman's decision and told those against the ruling to "tackle the issue, not the man".
"Covered on the back page of the Telegraph today, is the criticism and the savage personal attacks on Peter V’Landys since last weekend’s Magic Round," Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
"He’s a big boy, and he’s been in this position for a while now, but perhaps even Peter wasn’t prepared for the level of hate and scorn from fans of the game.
"He concedes, not surprisingly, what is hard to cop is the effect it has on his family.
"I’ve copped it before, I go the attitude of – block, ignore, delete.
"We’ve witnessed the rise of abuse that comes via social media towards players and athletes, it’s way over the top.
"Surely, any rational, decent person would agree with that.
"But, leave that aspect to one side. Our biggest sports, such as rugby league, need strong leadership.
"I declare, I am an admirer of Peter V’Landys style and how he goes about things as Commission Chairman.
"But that doesn’t mean that I agree with all he says or believes is best for the game, and do you know what, Peter V’Landys respects that.
"I know he has that respect for the fans and sees them as important stakeholders in the game.
"He himself has a lifelong love for the game, he’s a fan, and as a passionate defender of it when pitted against rival codes.
"If you haven’t detected that yet, well you’d have to be living in a cave.
"When he makes a call, there is rarely any grey, it’s black and white.
"Haven’t league fans craved that? Hasn’t that been of the chief critisicms of previous administrators that they are too reactive, rather than proactive?
"I’m telling you, Peter V’Landys welcomes debate. I’ve taken on everything that has been said form fans, coaches, players and former players since last weekend.
"I’ve reached a conclusion, I’m backing the defining of game policy in relation to high tackles.
"How we handle it, well I’m saying let’s keep the lines of communication open on that, but leave me out of the over the top, the abuse and the trolls out there, who can’t contribute to the issue without the attacks.
"Summing up, tackle the issues, don’t tackle the man."
Listen to Vossy’s verdict below.