A mid-season recruit, Talimalie was arrested in Orange on Saturday and will appear in Wagga Local Court on Monday after it’s believed he breached bail stemming from a previous matter during his time in Young.

The explosive No.7 missed Sunday’s trip to Tony Luchetti Sportsground but his absence didn’t dent Hawks' charge to the 2018 minor prize, the two blues racing to a 38-14 lead before the hosts crossed for a couple of late consolation four-pointers.

Hawks officials declined to comment on the Talimalie case, but captain-coach Willie Heta was thrilled his side was able to tough it out against Lithgow team that inflicted the two blues with their only loss of the season to date back in the first round.

Heta said centre Corey Brown was tremendous for the visiting Hawks before turning his attention to next week’s derby with premiers CYMS, an outfit that now sits in third on the ladder.

Hawks are three points clear of the second-placed Cowra Magpies, with three regular season rounds remaining.

“We were disappointing in the last five minutes and let in some soft tries, the result probably didn’t show how dominant we were,” Heta said.

“I just found out the (CYMS) result, that’s a big win for them. Panthers have been very good this season.

“They seem to be coming right at the end of the season. We’ll have to be tough again next week.”