League: Leeds Rhinos prop Mitch Garbutt apologises for punching North Queensland Cowboys front-rower James Tamou

North Queensland prop James Tamou was on the wrong end of a strong straight right-hand from Leeds front-rower Mitch Garbutt in Monday's World Club Challenge. Photo / Twitter.

Leeds Rhinos prop Mitch Garbutt has apologised for the punch that earned him a red card in Monday's (NZT) World Club Challenge defeat by North Queensland Cowboys.

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 yesterday 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 today 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."

- AAP