Senior charged after accusing World Club referee of 'arrogance'

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Keith Senior has been charged with breaching the Rugby League's operational rules with his criticism of the referee, Richard Silverwood, after Leeds' defeat by Melbourne Storm in the World Club Challenge on Sunday.

The former Great Britain centre, who had given away a crucial penalty for dissent during the game, afterwards accused Silverwood of arrogance and wanting to be the centre of attention. Senior later apologised, but that has not saved him from running foul of the byelaw that forbids players from criticising the character or performance of referees.

He will appear at a hearing next Wednesday which has the power to impose a fine upon him, but which is unlikely to ban him from playing.

For their first game after their disappointment at Elland Road, Leeds have promoted Academy winger, Tom Bush, to their first-team squad. The 20-year-old replaces the injured Kevin Sinfield in the Rhinos' squad to face Harlequins at Headingley tomorrow night.

Quins will also have a newcomer in their ranks. They have addressed their manpower crisis in the forwards by taking Wakefield's Kyle Bibb on loan. The 23-year-old front-rower has arrived in London initially for one month.