Des Hasler concedes Manly may have to conjure up some magic of their own next week with their playing stocks becoming even more depleted.
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The Sea Eagles face a short turnaround into the NRL's Magic Weekend at Suncorp Stadium, slated to face Brisbane on Friday night after their defeat of Canterbury.
Already without around $3 million in talent in Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Trbojevic Dylan Walker and Jorge Taufua out, Manly lost a second half in as many weeks on Saturday night when five-eighth Lachlan Croker suffering a hamstring injury.
Croker said after the match he'd heard a pop when he suffered the blow midway through the second half, and he'll require further scans.
It means Manly could be forced into a reshuffle or the possible blooding of a rookie with Trent Hodkinson also sidelined with a knee injury.
"Trent had a knee cleanout so he will be back, but it won't be next week," Hasler said.
"We'll have a look around. We're playing the Broncos next week so they could be anything. They're big, strong, mobile and athletic.
"It's probably a very apt term next week that it's magic week. We might need a bit of magic."
Manly played hooker Apisai Koroisau at five-eighth in the absence of Croker during the second half on Saturday night, with Manase Fainu playing out the game at dummy-half.
Second-rower Curtis Sironen also filled the role last week when Cherry-Evans went off, and could fill in there if needed.
Otherwise reserve grade playmaker Cade Cust has been in form for feeder club Blacktown, and would likely be able to be called up via an NRL exemption if required.
Meanwhile powerful prop Addin Fonua-Blake will join Croker for scans, after his knee appeared to buckle in an early tackle.
The Tongan international left the field after nine minutes at Lottoland on Saturday, but came back in the second half heavily strapped.
"We'll have to have his knee looked at," Hasler said.
"We'll see how he pulls up and get it scanned as well. There is obviously some issue with his meniscus."
In better news for Manly, Hasler said there was no concern over the ankle of Martin Taupau despite the Kiwi prop requiring strapping late in the first half.
Australian Associated Press
