By Aja Styles
The family of prominent Perth rugby union player, Michael Denton, is still coming to terms with the freak loss of the "man of the house".
The death was the second in the family of seven, after Mr Denton's father Peter died from cancer in January last year.
Michael Denton was a celebrated rugby player who was well respected among his peers. Photo: Nedlands Rugby Club
Michael Denton, a fit and healthy 29-year-old died in Bali after he was found unconscious in his hotel room.
Mr Denton had been touring with his team, the Nedlands Rugby Union Football Club, in an invitational rugby 10s competition.
The prominent fly-half, who had also played for Western Force's A-side, was reportedly found by team medic and Sir Charles Gairdner nurse Trent Gainey on Friday.
Mr Gainey stopped by to check on Mr Denton after he went to bed early.
Attempts were made to revive Mr Denton before he was rushed to hospital but he never regained consciousness, Club President Hans Sauer said.
"It was pretty unusual for Mike to take himself off to bed saying he was feeling a bit unwell," Mr Sauer said.
"Trent double checked on him and found him unconscious. He organised the hotel's security to take him to hospital where he later died.
"We were absolutely shocked. We had no idea why he died."
Younger brother Gregory Denton, who lives in Michael's hometown of Dunedin in New Zealand, described his brother as a leader and great mate.
"He came over quite a bit with dad being ill," he said.
"He'd just take over as man of the house when dad was unwell and he's been great with mum. He's been great with all of us."
Growing up, Mr Denton also took charge at the University of Otago's Captain Cook Tavern, where he became a local identity.
At university he qualified with a double degree in accounting and marketing but rugby was his passion, according to his younger brother.
"He was very, very passionate about Nedlands, they've been a great family for him and he'd made life-long friends at the club," Gregory said.
"After a year rugby had become second to living in Perth. He was more and more settled and had plans to stay there for quite some time."
Mr Denton worked at Landcorp and was studying part-time with plans to move into property development, according to his brother.
As well as being a local identity in Dunedin, he had a lot of friends across Australia, with the Denton family expecting a large contingent of people from Western Australia, as well as the east coast, for the funeral.
"He was a big brother and great mate not only to us but a lot of people," Gregory said.
"As someone said the other day you'd struggle to find anyone who doesn't get along with Michael and consider him a friend."
Gregory said while the family was still awaiting the results of the post-mortem examination they were treating it as a "freak occurrence" because Mr Denton was always a fit and healthy person.
The family sent out a special thank you to the Nedlands club, especially the team manager Mark Badham who helped organise the transfer of Mr Denton's body.
Rugby community in shock
Mr Denton had moved to Perth from Dunedin, New Zealand to join the Nedlands team and had played in five premierships with the team, only losing the mantle to the University Rugby Club this year.
He was considered a great leader among his peers, the junior players and old boys at the club, Mr Sauer said.
"He was always fit and well before every game. He was just one of those guys who was incredible around the club," Mr Sauer said.
"It was just such a shock. It wasn't expected for someone so fit and healthy."
RugbyWA CEO, Vern Reid, paid tribute to Mr Denton, saying: "The West Australian rugby community has been hit hard with the sudden and tragic passing of Mike Denton and we offer our deepest sympathy to his family and the Nedlands Rugby Union Club.
"Since arriving in Perth from New Zealand, Mike had made a really positive impression on rugby in WA.
"He was a talented player and his dedication and performances for Nedlands saw him progress to the Emirates Western Force 'A' and Perth Gold state sides this year.
"I know Mike was very well respected by his team mates and all of those who knew him, not only at Nedlands, but across the local club competition and he'll be greatly missed."
Posted on the clubs' website was a farewell message.
"We have lost one of own, prematurely, tragically and suddenly," it read.
"We remember Michael Peter Denton for the allowing us time to enjoy his company, his humour, his dedication, his commitment to the team and club.
"Dents, you have the total respect of everyone at Neddies, you are a champion and a true leader.
"Neddies will be mourning for a long time and we send our very deepest and sincere condolences to your family, your friends back home in N.Z., elsewhere around the world and the whole Rugby World.
"Rest in peace brother, you will always live on at our club. We Love you."
A funeral service will be held in Dunedin next week while some family members intend to travel to Perth to visit the Nedlands rugby club, which also plans to hold a memorial service early next month.
Mr Denton leaves behind his mother Ruth, sister Louise and brothers Gregory, James, and Paul.
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