Dallin Watene-Zelzniak says the incident that cost him a place in the Anzac test was "an accident".
The 19-year-old was charged with a grade one dangerous throw from Penrith's match against Cronulla last Sunday, and a decision not to fight it has ruled him out of the Friday's match.
The Kiwis winger cut a frustrated figure around camp on Wednesday, as he spoke for the first time about his disappointment.
"It was an accident," said Watene-Zelzniak. "I've never defended at centre before and I was doing everything I could to make the tackle. At the time I didn't think anything of it because it wasn't put on report."
But by Tuesday Watene-Zelzniak found out that the incident had been picked up by the match review committee, and a few hours later his Kiwis debut was put on ice and Jason Nightingale was brought into the team.