Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson was disappointed not to prove the team's numerous critics wrong.

New Zealand Rugby League chairman Reon Edwards said he felt "sick to the stomach" after the Kiwis' embarrassing World Cup quarter-final exit to Fiji and apologised to fans following the team's bizarre response in defeat.

The Kiwis lost 4-2 in Wellington on Saturday in what was arguably their worst ever performance after losing to Tonga 28-22 in Hamilton a week earlier.

Coach David Kidwell said they had a great culture, captain Adam Blair claimed losing was "not a negative", and star playmaker Shaun Johnson criticised fans and media who, he said, got what they wanted as New Zealand crashed out of the tournament.

NZRL NZRL chairman Reon Edwards said the Kiwis should have handled their reactions far better

Edwards said the heat of battle was to blame for the trio's comments after the Kiwis failed to reach this weekend's semi-finals.

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"An apology to the league fans out there is required. I certainly don't think it was necessary or appropriate to make those comments," he told Radio Sport.

PHOTOSPORT Kiwis captain Adam Blair claimed defeat was 'not a negative'.

"I'd like to apologise to the rugby league fans out there. I don't think it was at all required, it wasn't necessary.

"Our league fans wear their heart on their sleeve like we all do and they have every right to be disappointed and upset about that result on the weekend."

Edwards said the Kiwis should have handled their reactions far better but Kidwell, Blair or Johnson won't face any retrospective action.

GETTY IMAGES Dave Kidwell insisted the Kiwis had a great culture.

"They are human beings. They have acknowledged they probably could have handled that in a much better way which we can all learn from," he added.

"(We) have to understand what these players are going through. Emotions are high immediately after the game. They have suffered a huge shock loss.

"It will be a tough four years but we will rebuild."

Fiji, at New Zealand's expense, play Australia in Brisbane in the first semi-final on Friday and Tonga face England in Auckland on Saturday.