Johns said suspensions should not rub players out of grand finals, tests or State of Origin matches.
"The NRL did the right thing in charging so many players and fining the clubs, but I don't think it should have cost Adam Blair a shot at premiership glory, and nor should it cost Glenn Stewart," Johns wrote in his ninemsn.com.au column.
"I've said it before that I believe the really big games should be left out of suspensions.
"State of Origin matches, tests and grand finals should not be missed by any player because of a mistake made during a club match.
"Of course, if a player deliberately takes a star player's head off, that's a different story."
Former test, NSW and Newcastle star Johns admitted to enjoying the fisticuffs between the first and second-placed rivals.
"If we are going to be honest, the majority of rugby league people, including myself, absolutely love it," he wrote.
Johns said the ugly look would not be a major factor in parents choosing a sport for their children and the media was guilty of double standards on the issue of violence.
"Before State of Origins we see plenty of clips showing the old brawls, to promote the series," he wrote.
"You can't have it both ways. It can't be an exciting way to drum up interest in a match, and the worst thing anyone has ever seen on a sporting field."
The fallout from the brawl continued yesterday with Blair fronting a press conference in Melbourne to express his remorse.
"I feel disappointed and very remorseful for what I've done and I just want to move on now and put my best foot forward for helping out the team," Blair said.
Storm chief executive Ron Gauci said the club would not appeal, despite believing the penalty was excessive.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy indicated the New Zealand international would help ready the club's forward pack for the upcoming finals campaign.
- AAP
