Cronulla Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has apologised for his tirade on the referees during the post-match press conference after the Sharks' 15-14 semi-final loss against the North Queensland Cowboys.
The 51-year-old was fined $30,000 (NZ$32,915) for his comments, and after having some time to reflect, Flanagan released an open letter to Sharks members.
"I owe you an apology. I owe the game an apology. I'm sorry for the way I reacted," Flanagan said.
"I'm writing this note to you because I reckon if you support this great club, you'd know the type of person I am.
"If I believe in something, I very rarely keep that belief secret.
"My answers in that press conference were born out of honesty and the disappointment of a shattered dressing room.
"Again, if only I had a camera in our dressing room after that loss. I promise you that cold silence of defeat will drive us over summer.
"And so I guess I took all that emotion into that press conference. I know that doesn't make it right though, does it?
"In 157 games as head coach of Cronulla, I've never been hit with a breach notice by the NRL for disrespecting our referees."
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