But this term the 27-year-old has looked in top form despite the Scarlets occupying seventh place in the RaboDirect PRO12.
Priestland has also looked impressive in Europe and the Wales international insists he feels back in top shape.
"All I'm trying to do is enjoy my rugby," he told Wales Online. "I've managed to do that for most parts of the year.
"This is the best season I have had. This year I have not let anything (criticism) like that worry me, the ones who matter are the coaches and people who I train alongside and work with every day.
"It's what happens on the field that matters."
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