Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe has publicly apologised for scolding South Sydney Rabbitohs player Luke Keary during a team bonding session.

Keary stormed out of a gathering at South Sydney co-owner Crowe’s Coffs Harbour property in December after being criticised for his performance in 2015, Seven News reported.

It was believed the whole team was berated for their performances last season by Crowe, but that Keary was singled out.

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Crowe apologised on Wednesday for the spat, describing it as “a bit of banter that went too far”.

“Luke Keary situation entirely my fault,” Crowe posted on Twitter.

“A bit of banter that went too far. I’ve apologised. He is a natural leader and great for our club.”

Keary, 23, played 24 matches for Souths last season, scoring four tries.

He is off contract at the end of the season and had reportedly attracted interest from other clubs.

This wasn’t the first time Crowe had lashed out when his temper bubbled over.

In 2005, he was charged with assault after allegedly throwing a phone in a trendy New York hotel which hit a male concierge in the face, Fairfax Media reported.

Crowe claimed the phone actually made contact with a wall.

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

– with AAP