Rugby league communities come together to remember young champion Summer Nicholls, retire her jersey as a mark of respect

The death of teenage footy talent Summer Nicholls has rocked the Queensland rugby league fraternity with the special honour of her memory moving her parents. Read what they had to say here.

Tasha and Tyrone Nicholls have been “left speechless” by tributes for their teenage daughter Summer, who died suddenly last week.

Summer, 18, died last Wednesday, her passing sending shockwaves through the Central Queensland rugby league community.

Her club team Fitzroy Sharks paid a special tribute to the young star at their home game on Sunday.

Players from her junior, senior and representative clubs came together at Saleyards Park, each of them choosing to retire the jersey she was wearing for the 2022 season in a mark of respect for the teenage talent who had such a bright future.

Tasha struggled to find the words that summed up what it meant to her and Tyrone.

“Honouring our daughter the way they did left us speechless,” she said.

“We can never thank them enough. It was beautiful and so touching.

“The impact Summer had on so many lives was so heartfelt to see.”

Niccy Muller was instrumental in putting together Sunday’s events.

She coached Summer at Fitzroys, and also in teams at the Queensland Murri and Kanaka Proud carnivals.

She said she would always cherish the memory of the young star walking into the dressing sheds, earphones on, priming herself for the next contest.

Muller appreciated Summer’s talent as a footballer but more so treasured her worth as a person who was always looking out for others.

“Summer played a part in so many other people’s lives,” Muller said.

“I am absolutely shattered by her loss and there are no words to express the pain and heartache I feel for her parents Tasha and Tyrone and her siblings, especially for my Fitzroys Sharks’ captain and big sister Akayla McQuire.

“I will never be the same and neither will my Fitzroys and Highlanders teams.

“It’s a hole that can never be filled but we will support each other through this hard time and be there for each other and smile about all the good memories we had with her.”

Despite all the emotion, Fitzroy won their A-grade women’s clash against Yeppoon, with Akayla scoring the third of the team’s eight tries in the 38-16 victory.

Muller said every member of the Fitzroy team would continue to carry Summer close to their hearts, with the team’s jerseys to be enscripted with her name, date of birth and the words “Always on my mind, forever in our heart”.

“Summer was a joy. She would light up a room as soon as she entered,” she said.

“She had an infectious smile and was a loving and caring person who loved to TikTok and have a laugh with her friends and family.

“She was my go-to girl on the field. Whenever we were in trouble or needed some spark, I would yell out for Summer to get the ball.

“She was unorthodox and could make something happen out of nothing.

“She was fearless and for a little person she was physically strong and had some gas to burn.

“She loved running this kid and would run all day if you let her.”

Muller said that Summer just loved football.

“It was her life. I was so excited when she was finally old enough to play in the women’s comp because it meant everyone else was going to witness just how talented she was.

“I believe that Summer could have gone anywhere in this game and she would definitely have made it to the NRLW.

“She wasn’t the biggest player but she would take on anyone. She was really tough, mentally and physically.

“She would run at the biggest player on the field. She would hit, spin and then go again, she might have got dropped but she’d get straight back up.

“If I needed the team to gain metres, I would always call for her teammates to get the ball to Summer.”

Anyone who needs help should contact 13YARN.

A gofundme page has also been set up to give Summer “the big send-off she well and truly deserves”. People can donate here.