Senior is charged by RFL over Silverwood outburst

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.

He met chief executive Gary Hetherington on Monday to explain his comments although the Rhinos have not revealed whether any action will be taken as part of the club's internal disciplinary procedures.

But he now faces an official Rugby Football League tribunal next Wednesday evening to answer charges of criticising Silverwood.

A RFL statement read: "Keith Senior has today been charged with a breach of RFL operational rules concerning the criticism of match officials and a breach of the RFL's Respect Policy over his comments about referee Richard Silverwood following the Gillette World Club Challenge at Elland Road, Leeds, last Sunday.

"The Leeds Rhinos centre is charged with a breach of Operational Rule D1.10(i) (Criticism of Match Official) which states that "no person shall publish or cause to be published (or give any interview to the media by whatsoever medium) which contains criticism of the character of a Match Official or criticism of the manner in which a Match Official has officiated at a game in which the club or player has taken part, or of any other game under the control of the RFL."

Senior is likely to receive a fine after releasing an immediate apology for his post-match rant.

Senior said: "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."

One of only five players to have appeared in all 15 seasons of Super League, Senior has been named by Brian McClennan in the Rhinos squad for tomorrow's Headingley game against Harlequins.