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Haig Sare has rushed to Sydney to be with his ill father and says the setback has put the Matt Henjak episode into perspective.
The Western Force terminated Henjak's contract after he broke Sare's jaw while his teammate was seated and unable to defend himself in an alcohol-fuelled altercation two weeks ago.
Sare, who required a permanent plate to be inserted into his jaw, has been suspended for eight matches and fined $5000 for his involvement in the incident.
Sare was deeply remorseful for dragging the Force into the headlines for the wrong reasons but said his main concern was for the health of his father Bill.
"The whole reason I've come back [to Sydney] is to be with my family and my father," he said.
"My dad's not the best. I want to spend most of my time with him. It puts things in perspective. Your family is the most important thing."
During the week, Sare said he didn't hold any grudge towards Henjak and was disappointed the club had terminated his contract.
Asked if he stood by those comments, the Australia A centre said: "I'm not prepared to comment on any of the [Rugby WA disciplinary tribunal's] findings."
He added only that the fight was a "huge misunderstanding".
However, he said he was thankful the Force had given him another chance and was determined to repay their faith.
"My short-term goal would be to get back on the field and hopefully play some good football."
The former Shore student will return to training in a fortnight and will be fit to resume contact work in six weeks.
He vowed to do everything possible to return to the Force line-up when his suspension expired.
"I'm going to use these six weeks to prepare myself as best I can and put myself under as much pressure at training as possible," he said.
"When the time comes to play, hopefully I won't be off the pace.
"I don't know if [the incident has provided] extra motivation. Playing for the Force is enough motivation already.
"It's a huge honour to pull on the blue jersey."
While his immediate focus is returning to the Super 14, Sare has a long-term goal of representing the Wallabies.
"Every player [loves] representing their country," he said.