Dallin Watene-Zelzniak says the incident that cost him a place in the Anzac test was "an accident".
The 19-year-old was charged with a grade one dangerous throw from Penrith's match against Cronulla last Sunday, and a decision not to fight it has ruled him out of the Friday's match.
The Kiwis winger cut a frustrated figure around camp today, as he spoke for the first time about his disappointment.
"It was an accident," said Watene-Zelzniak. "I've never defended at centre before and I was doing everything I could to make the tackle. At the time I didn't think anything of it because it wasn't put on report."
But by Tuesday Watene-Zelzniak found out that the incident had been picked up by the match review committee, and a few hours later his Kiwis debut was put on ice and Jason Nightingale was brought into the team.
"I was frustrated and a bit down," said Watene-Zelzniak. "I did feel like going back home and just sitting in my room and staying there but I had time to ponder and think. [I realised] that people have it a lot worse than me and I still find myself lucky."
It's the second time in six months that the teenage winger has seen his international dreams dashed, after missing the entire 2014 Four Nations campaign following a training injury on the second day in camp last year. But Watene-Zelzniak is philosophical about his fate.
"A lot of people say I am unlucky," said Watene-Zelzniak. "But to be where I am at my age playing a sport I love and living my dream I think I am fortunate."
But it still feels like he is an unnecessary victim, like many other Kiwi players before him, of the NRL's unusual blanket bans for offences committed in club matches.
"I would love to play on Friday but rules are rules," said Watene-Zelzniak. "It was probably the worst timing for it and that could be something they could think about."
Fortunately, Watene-Zelzniak has time on his side, and he has already been reassured by Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney that he will remain in his plans for the end of year tour to Great Britain.
"[Playing for the Kiwis] has always been a goal," said Watene-Zelzniak. "It has fallen short twice now so I will just have to keep doing my job for Penrith."
- By Michael Burgess of the Herald on Sunday in Brisbane
