Canterbury centre Krisnan Inu could be facing another stint on the sidelines after a sickening leg twist on Newcastle’s James McManus in the Knights’ 44-8 win over the Bulldogs on Sunday.

Inu has only just returned from a five-game ban for a spear tackle on Inglis and although he was not placed on report, the incident is certain to come under scrutiny from the match review committee.

Knights prop Willie Mason was left fuming by what happened.

Mason put his hand up for a first State of Origin call-up in five years with a powerful display, that could earn him a bench spot for the series opener on June 5.

The giant 32-year-old was livid at Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba who he thought was the perpetrator, with the pair indulging in a war of words from 20 metres in what was potentially the biggest mismatch in rugby league history.

“I thought it was Benny Barba, it was a misunderstanding and I said sorry after the game,” Mason told Triple M.

“It was a foul act. Imagine if Jimmy did his knee or something? And that was what I said to Benny, as his leg was around his head and he could done have a medial or an ACL.”

Barba said he had no hesitation in standing up to Mason even though he knew the odds were stacked against him.

“He was coming at me for something I didn’t do,” Barba said.

“He apologised after the game but I didn’t want to back down. That’s Mase just firing up.”

The incident didn’t overshadow a fine display from Mason against his former club and with NSW coach Laurie Daley still pondering the make up of his front row, he said he’s certain he can still do a job against Queensland.

“I can play 80 (minutes), never mind 40. I don’t think Origin has changed that much since I last played,” he said.

“It is hard and tough and that is what I do every week, and if they pick me I will do a job for them.

“I haven’t spoke to Laurie, I don’t have his number, has anyone got it?”

Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita is also in contention for an Origin spot and turned in another strong display in the win over Canberra on Sunday.

Fifita produced another monstrous performance, running for 201 metres and scoring a try as the Sharks held on to win 30-20.

“He can carry the ball don’t you worry about that,” Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said.

“He’s a big unit, he’s an athlete. He’s getting better each week.”

Stand-in Sharks skipper Wade Graham said Fifita would be ready if called upon this year.

“If (Blues coach) Laurie (Daley is) after a bit of impact off the bench and a big man that’s mobile? Definitely,” Graham said.

Also central to the Sharks’ third victory on the trot was another NSW hopeful, Todd Carney.

The Blues incumbent No.6 is involved in a battle to retain his jersey with Sydney Roosters five-eighth James Maloney, who had appeared to take control in recent weeks, following a foot injury which sidelined Carney for two matches.

Carney said his current form is better than that of last season, but believes he is still a way off his best.

One thing he is sure of is that having last year’s experience on his side is a major advantage.

“I’ve been there and done it,” he said.