Leeds Rhinos centre Keith Senior has been fined for criticising the referee after his team's World Club Challenge loss to NRL premiers Melbourne.

England's Rugby Football League (RFL) fined Senior STG1000 ($A1641) - STG500 ($A820) of which was suspended for the remainder of the Super League season - over comments he made about referee Richard Silverwood after the Storm's 18-10 victory on February 28.

Senior, 33, pleaded guilty to breaking rules governing the criticism of match officials and breaching the governing body's respect policy at a tribunal on Wednesday.

"Senior admitted that his behaviour was completely unacceptable and said he should not have vented his frustration in the way he did," the RFL said in a statement.

"The panel took into consideration Senior's previous good record during a lengthy career, his admission of guilt and public apology but felt a fine was appropriate given that this was a personal attack on the referee's character rather than a criticism of a decision by the referee."

Silverwood penalised Senior for dissent and the resulting two points kicked by Storm captain Cameron Smith put the Australian team ahead for the first time in the match at Elland Road.

Melbourne went on to beat the Rhinos after a late try by Anthony Quinn.

After the game, Senior branded Silverwood "arrogant" but later apologised.

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