Coach Scott Peters says Summer Jade Nicholls ‘could have gone anywhere’ in rugby league
The 18-year-old Central Queensland rugby league star died suddenly on Wednesday. Read the emotional tribute from one of her coaches here.
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The Central Queensland rugby league community is reeling following the sudden death of prodigious young talent Summer Nicholls.
The 18-year-old died on Wednesday, her loss reverberating through the club and representative ranks.
Summer was an integral part of the CQ Capras under-19s team and played with the Rocky Rustlers senior women at this year’s 47th Battalion carnival.
Scott Peters coached her in the Capras under-19s in 2022.
A gifted centre, she was the Capras’ leading point scorer in the Harvey Norman under-19 statewide competition this season.
She also made the Queensland Merit under-18 team after a standout performance at the 2021 Queensland Murri Carnival.
Peters was struggling to comprehend her death.
“She was always smiling, laughing, a ball of energy and so much talent… she could have gone anywhere,” he said.
“Across the board, in defence and attack, she was just a natural talent.”
The Capras are rallying around Summer’s teammates, clubmates and coaching staff.
CEO Peter White said the club would do all it could to support them.
“Everyone who knew Summer loved her and obviously this tragedy has affected them deeply,” he said.
“Our condolences go out to her family and friends.”
Peters said the Capras were bringing Summer’s teammates together on Saturday for a meeting with welfare staff from the club, as well as from the QRL and NRL.
Peters said the players would then watch the two Capras home games at Browne Park, with a minute’s silence to be held for Summer before the senior men’s game at 4pm.
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