Russell Crowe apologises for dressing down of Rabbitohs player Luke Keary

Russell Crowe at the 2014 NRL grand final. The actor admitted his "banter" went too far. Photo / Getty Images

Russell Crowe has apologised for berating South Sydney Rabbitohs player Luke Keary during a team bonding session at Crowe's home last month.

The actor and club co-owner's public apology comes after reports emerged that Keary had stormed out of the boozy team session.

Crowe had reportedly chided the young player for his performance in 2015.

It is believed Crowe criticised the entire team for their performance last season, but he singled out Keary.

He posted an apology to Twitter, saying it was "a bit of banter that went too far".

Luke Keary situation entirely my fault. A bit of banter that went too far. I've apologised. He is a natural leader and great for our club.

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) January 19, 2016

Keary played 24 matches for Souths last season, scoring four tries.
He is off contract at the end of the season and has reportedly attracted interest from other clubs.

The Ipswich-born upcomer signed with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2012 but has always had ambitions to play with the Brisbane Broncos, the side he followed as a child.

Keary made his debut in round 12 of the 2013 season and scored the first two tries of his professional NRL career in round 20 that year.

The next year, 2014, Keary played 12 matches. He was five-eighth during the Grand Final when the Rabbitohs won the premiership - breaking their 43 year drought.