Leeds Rhinos: Contrite prop Garbutt says sorry for his World Club dismissal

Garbutt, 26, was sent off nine minutes from the end of the Super League champions’ 38-4 loss for punching Australian Test front rower James Tamou.

Former Brisbane Broncos forward Garbutt was banned for two games by the Rugby Football League on Monday after admitting the grade C offence and insisted his actions were out of character.

Garbutt said he sought out Tamou after the game to say sorry and yesterday issued an apology through the Leeds website.

“It was a silly thing that I did,” he said. “It’s not something that I am about, I don’t condone violence and it’s not something I want kids watching the game to see. Everyone that knows me knows I’m not the sort of person that does those things.

“I sought James out after the game to apologise and we sorted things out, and there were no hard feelings.

“I accepted the ban from the RFL and I’m very disappointed I won’t be out there with the boys for the next couple of weeks. I’ll be looking to move on and put it behind me.”

Wigan coach Shaun Wane will consider dipping into the transfer market for a new hooker after potentially losing Leeds-born Michael McIlorum for six months after he broke and dislocated his ankle.