Coach Andrew Webster has taken a stand against the backlash directed at Adam Pompey, labeling critics of the Warriors centre as "absolute idiots."
Prior to New Zealand's significant 46-32 win over Newcastle on Sunday, Pompey faced a wave of online negativity following a disappointing performance against South Sydney the prior week.
The centre was targeted with numerous derogatory comments about his on-field choices and defensive errors.
Webster was taken aback upon learning about the online backlash.
"I didn't know about that. No one told me that. That's probably a weakness of mine," he remarked.
"I'm not aware of these things, but he didn't show any signs this week. He looked like he was always ready.
"We left him stranded several times last week against Cody Walker. That's their supercar.
"They're idiots, like absolute idiots."
Despite being benched for Sunday's game, Pompey still managed to score a try and set up another at Go Media Stadium.
His efforts were instrumental in securing the Warriors a likely home qualifying final and maintaining their bid for their first minor premiership in 24 years.
New Zealand (40 points, +309) faces Manly on Saturday and needs to win while hoping second-placed Penrith (40 points, +308) either loses or has a smaller winning margin.
Webster now must address a fresh dilemma in the halves after debutant Jett Cleary (three try assists, 220 kick metres) and rookie Luke Hanson impressed on Sunday.
The duo formed the club's ninth spine combination this season, with the Warriors missing Tanah Boyd (knee) and Luke Metcalf (hamstring).
Halfback Te Maire Martin attempted a return from a hamstring issue on Sunday, but the coach chose caution, as Chanel Harris-Tavita was also unavailable due to a minor hamstring injury from the week.
"We had every intention of Chanel and Te Maire playing (on Sunday)," Webster explained.
"No one re-injured anything. Chanel pulled up last week with a tight hamstring. We thought he'd be OK.
"It was just a process where we knew that we were going to send them out there and risk a long-term hamstring injury for both of them ... We had faith in the young guys."
It remains unclear if they will be fit for the crucial match on Saturday, and the team is also monitoring winger Luke Laulilii, who failed his HIA after a collision with prop Jacob Saifiti.