Wayne Bennett will throw Kodi Nikorima into the Dolphins No.7 jersey on Good Friday, with the veteran coach praying for a miracle to help solve the club's halves crisis.
Anthony Milford on Saturday night became the second Dolphins playmaker to go down in two weeks, suffering a hamstring strain that is likely to sideline him for a month.
Milford's injury comes at the worst possible time, after he was overlooked in round one but had been given a chance following Sean O'Sullivan's ruptured pectoral muscle and expected three-month recovery.
Nikorima missed Saturday night's loss to St George Illawarra with a concussion but the Dolphins are hopeful he will return to face North Queensland in Townsville on Friday.
"It leaves me looking to the skies saying a few prayers," coach Bennett said.
"We should have (Kodi) back next week."
Asked if Nikorima would play halfback, Bennett responded: "Unless you can find another one for me".
Injuries are beginning to take their toll at the Dolphins, where roster depth had been a question mark before the start of their inaugural season.
Bennett conceded Saturday night's loss came after an emotional come down after the opening four rounds, which included an inaugural game, first home match and a Brisbane derby.
The Dolphins have a crucial period ahead after the early highs, with games against last year's preliminary finalists in North Queensland and South Sydney over the next two weeks.
"We have been up for a little while but it's a mental thing," captain Jesse Bromwich said.
"We trained really well during the week, we prepared really well.
"To go out and put on that performance, I just think we took a step off the accelerator with our mental preparation.
"As long as we turn up Monday with a really good attitude to rip in and get back to doing what we do best, which was our effort, I'll be happy."
