Nathan Cleary has asked people to stop directing abuse at Phoenix Crossland, saying the tackle that injured him was accidental.
"Please don't be one of those people writing comments like this to Phoenix," Cleary posted alongside examples of the abuse.
"It was a complete accident and he doesn't deserve the unwarranted hate. He reached out to apologise and I have nothing but respect for him."
Crossland called Cleary on Monday to apologise for the hip-drop tackle in Newcastle's preliminary-final win, which left the Penrith star with a compound fracture and dislocated ankle requiring emergency surgery.
Newcastle have entered a guilty plea, ruling out any chance of the hooker playing in Sunday's grand final against the Sydney Roosters.
Crossland will appear before the NRL judiciary in Sydney on Tuesday night to learn the length of his suspension.
The judiciary code provides no option for a fine or for deferring the ban until next season.
Any suspension will also carry into the end-of-season Rugby League World Cup, where Crossland is expected to represent New Zealand.
A grade-three dangerous contact charge brings a two-match suspension, and Crossland is expected to receive at least three games.
The NRL is likely to seek a longer ban because Cleary's injury can be considered, while Newcastle want the accidental nature of the incident and Crossland's remorse weighed in his favour.
Crossland's 1,077 tackles this year are the most in the NRL, and the incident was only his second charge in 2026.
Cleary also wrote: "He's a competitor and the game is made up of split-second moments that sometimes lead to unfortunate circumstances."
"Comments like this are so unfair. Spread love, not hate."