HAMILTON coach Scott Coleman admitted the loss of two-time Anderson Medal winner Va Talaileva to Southern Beaches had cut deep but understood the reasons behind the departure of the bruising No.8.
Talaileva confirmed yesterday that he had joined Southern Beaches after the ambitious Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union club had secured him a lucrative job in the mines.
See the 2012 NHRU draw under Related Coverage at right
Former representative players prop Erik Lolohea and second-rower Mark O’Brien have also defected from Hamilton to Cahill Oval.
Talaileva has been the heart and soul of the Hawks since joining the club in 2007 and was instrumental in securing the 2008 and 2010 premierships.
‘‘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.’’
Under Tim Chidgey, Southern Beaches, who recruited Newcastle representative hooker Charl van Niekirk from the Hawks a year ago, made the finals for the first time last season, finishing third before being knocked out by 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.
‘‘I’m confident in the depth at the club. We finished second in first grade and won a premiership in second grade.’’
The Hawks start pre-season training on January 17 and meet University in the first round on April 14.
The season draw was issued 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 this season knocked back.
‘‘They have been offered a position in A, B or C grade and we have given them until January 17 to reply.’’
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