Well one Kiwi gets a start as the J League season kicks off. 34 yr old Fitzgerald starting for promoted Niigata as they visit Cerezo Osaka. Picked ahead of Qatar WC Socceroo Thomas Deng, who sits on the pine.
https://au.soccerway.com/matches/2023/02/18/japan/j1-league/cerezo-osaka/albirex-niigata/4009185/
Edit - A 2-2 draw. Full game Fitzgerald. Deng on in the 86th min
https://au.soccerway.com/matches/2023/02/18/japan/j1-league/cerezo-osaka/albirex-niigata/4009185/
Edit - A 2-2 draw. Full game Fitzgerald. Deng on in the 86th min