His death at a relatively early age has come as a massive shock to all who knew him.
Fans will remember Nicholson as a hard-working second-row forward in two of Oldham’s most successful seasons for many years.
He made 25 appearances in 1981-2, when Frank Myler’s side won the Second Division championship and promotion, plus another ten in 1982-3 when Roughyeds finished eighth in the First Division – their best season since 1960-61.
The deepest condolences of everyone at Oldham RLFC have been sent to Nicholson's family.
He played originally for Blackbrook ARLFC and toured Australia, New Zealand and PNG with the pioneering BARLA open-age international squad before turning pro for Swinton Lions in 1979.
He impressed Swinton coach Myler in his two seasons with the Lions, so much so that when Myler took charge at Watersheddings ahead of the 1981-2 season and wanted to tighten the defence, he went back to his former club and signed Nicholson and utility back Alan Taylor in a joint deal worth £20,000.
The Myler years will be long remembered . . . as will the part played by Dave Nicholson in Frank’s first two seasons.
