Talaileva confirmed yesterday he had joined Southern Beaches after the ambitious Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union club had secured him a lucrative job in the mines.

Former representative players, prop Erik Lolohea and second-rower Mark O’Brien, have also defected to Cahill Oval from Hamilton.

Talaileva has been the heart and soul of the Hawks since joining the club in 2007.

He was instrumental in securing the 2008 and 2010 premierships and had been employed by a Hawks sponsor.

‘‘It is a massive loss,’’ Coleman said.

‘‘The club has done a lot for him and his family, but at the end of the day, [providing for his] family comes first and we understand that. We wish him all the best if that is the type of job they can offer.’’

Southern Beaches, who recruited Newcastle representative hooker Charl van Niekirk from the Hawks a year ago, made the finals for first time last season under coach Tim Chidgey.

They finished third before losing to Wanderers in the minor semi-final.

‘‘It shows that Southern Beaches mean business,’’ Coleman said.

‘‘They have chased Va for two years and have finally got their man. Erik didn’t play last year and Mobby [O’Brien] mainly played second grade, so they won’t be as hard to cover.’’

The Hawks start pre-season training on January 17 and meet University in the first round on April 14.

The season draw was released yesterday and did not include Easts, who have taken action against the NHRU in the Supreme Court for their reinstatement to Premier Rugby.

The court has ordered the two bodies to mediation, which must be completed by February 13, four days before the next court appearance.

‘‘We are waiting for the court registrar to notify us about a mediation date,’’ NHRU general manager Fenton Coull said.

Coull confirmed that Easts had their application to compete in Premier Rugby next season knocked back.

‘‘They have been offered a position in A, B or C grade and given until January 17 to reply,’’ he said.