Burgess landed in hot water after venting his frustration over a one-week ban for a hair pull during week one of the finals, also claiming the judiciary was becoming a "trial by media".

However, Burgess avoided a hefty fine after issuing the apology following a meeting with NRL CEO Todd Greenberg, admitting he had used "the wrong choice of words".

"The chairman and members of the panel are of the highest integrity and it was never my intention to cast any doubt over their character," Burgess said in a statement on Monday night.

"The point of my comments was to simply express concerns and frustrations I had about the processes.

"I unreservedly apologise for using the phrase 'kangaroo court' - I now understand it was the wrong choice of words."

Burgess' apologetic statement also thanked Greenberg for the chance to discuss his criticism.

"Todd and I had an open and honest conversation," he said.

"Todd talked me through the procedures and rules in place across both the match review committee and the judiciary and I spoke about some of the frustrations players felt about the current processes."

Greenberg said he accepted Burgess' apology but kept the door open to the Rabbitohs leader.

"To Sam's credit he has apologised publicly and acknowledged his mistake,'" Greenberg said in a statement.

"Sam and I have agreed to continue discussions about issues in the game during the off-season with a small group of other senior players equally as committed to ensuring our players are genuine partners in the game."

Australian Associated Press