Leeds Rhinos 10 Melbourne Storm 18: Senior apologises for reaction

The former Great Britain centre was incensed at some of the official's decisions – accusing Silverwood of "arrogance" – as Leeds went down 18-10 in an epic contest against Melbourne Storm.

But his comments have landed him in hot water with the Rhinos and he will meet with chief executive Gary Hetherington today to explain his comments and to ascertain whether any action should be taken as part of the club's internal disciplinary procedures.

Senior crucially conceded a penalty for dissent on the hour mark allowing Storm captain Cameron Smith to nudge his side 12-10 ahead. The NRL premiers then secured victory with an Anthony Quinn try late on to see Leeds lose at Elland Road for the second year running.

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The Super League champions were frustrated by Melbourne's slowing down of the game in the tackle area.

Senior was in possession when he was "wrestled" and denied a quick play-the-ball, unleashing his frustration in the direction of Silverwood believing he should have won a penalty.

The Mirfield official instead penalised the 33-year-old for his outburst and Leeds never recovered.

However, afterwards, Senior was candid in his thoughts about the referee, who was in charge of his first World Club Challenge contest and struggled to let the game flow.

"Refs make mistakes but it's the manner in which they do it," he said.

"I've been with him (Silverwood) many times and he has that arrogance about him.

"A lot of players don't like him. I'm sick of him. It's always about him not the occasion.

"He always wants to be the main man in the middle and centre of attention. He got his way tonight."

But hours later and Senior issued an apology on the Leeds website.

He commented: "I would like to apologise for any offence caused by my comments following our defeat to Melbourne.

"Unfortunately I let my emotions get the better of me after a physically and mentally draining clash with Melbourne.

"Having had time to reflect on my comments, I appreciate that, like us players, referees have a difficult job to do and we do not have a game without them," he added.

Senior accepted his on-field ill-discipline was uncalled for and said: "It's just frustration on my behalf.

"I should know better and you've got to take decisions on the chin but he called surrender.

"I had fought my way up and in my eyes that gave me the right to play the ball.

"He said they could keep hold of the ball and mess about.

"You can't take that away from some of the errors and the mistakes that we made.

"The ruck speed could have been a lot better. They slowed us down a lot better than us.

"We came into this not in the best of form, but we started like a house on fire.

"It's never good to lose, especially against the Aussies, but that's the type of person I am; I hate losing to them."

Coach Brian McClennan was less forthright in his views but conceded his Leeds side struggled to gain any pace to their game due to the dominance of Melbourne in the tackle area.

"It frustrated everybody, but well done to them," he said.

"It is a skill and they are very skilled at it.

"Our referees aren't used to that level of technique and our boys got very frustrated.

"It was very hard for us to get momentum in attack to threaten their line enough – albeit we did come close three times.

"It was tough, a real hard battle, really physical but I am proud of the boys, they really hung in there and played tough.

"We had some close chances and just didn't quite convert."

Leeds – who had lost two of their four Super League games going into last night's showpiece – played most of the match without captain Kevin Sinfield who had to be carried off the pitch with a dead leg.

But they matched the physical Melbourne side for large periods and went ahead when Danny McGuire scored a spectacular 90 meter try at the start of the second period.

The Storm responded immediately though and McClennan admitted losing his captain hurt his side's chances of reclaiming the crown they lost against Manly last year.

"Kev tried to stay on but got another whack in the same area," he said.

"He wasn't able to return to the field.

"He is our captain and the most influential player in our side, so it was a big blow.

Melbourne's victory – only the third time an Australian team has won in 10 contests – avenged their loss to the Rhinos in the same fixture two years ago.