Kaito Shigeno: “Our team standards are continuing to rise” 

Toyota Verblitz have named their squad to face Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo in Round 16 of Japan Rugby League One on April 26.

After starting the last two matches at flanker, Hingano Lolohea shifts back to lock, while Zack Gallagher, Ryusei Koike, and Isaiah Mapusua form the back row.

With three matches remaining in the season, the depth of our squad is becoming increasingly important.

Koike, nicknamed “Koikel,” earns his first start of the season, while Mapusua returns for the first time since Round 10 and Gallagher since Round 11. A refreshed and energetic back row will take the field at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium for the first time this season.

“It’s been an up-and-down season,” said Gallagher, who joined the team this year.

The 24-year-old, standing at 198 cm and weighing 116 kg, has previously been selected for the Māori All Blacks. He was a key player for Canterbury in New Zealand’s NPC, helping them win last season before joining Verblitz.

After adapting to the fast, low style of League One, he made his debut against the Black Rams in Round 4. However, injuries disrupted his momentum mid-season.

“I picked up an injury, and just when I thought I was back, I got injured again… It was frustrating, but once I reset my goals, I focused on contributing through the lineout. I’m really happy to be back playing again.”

Black Rams currently sit fourth after Round 15, led by scrum-half TJ Perenara, whom Gallagher has faced in Super Rugby and NPC. 

“He’s a strong player. We need to stay connected defensively, keep a single line, and not let him move us around.”

Gallagher’s parents will travel from New Zealand to watch the match, as he looks to establish himself as part of Verblitz’s new-look back five.

Starting opposite Perenara is scrum-half Kaito Shigeno, who has been in a rotation with Aaron Smith since Round 5 and now makes his third consecutive start.

“Even if I empty the tank, I’ve got Nuggy behind me, which is really reassuring.”

Having a 125-cap All Black on the bench provides huge confidence. In the previous match against Kobe Steelers, Shigeno scored a try from quick thinking off a maul near the goal line.

“I want to keep applying pressure and not lose to TJ. He’s very experienced, but I’ll stay calm and focus on my own game.” 

The two teams last met in Round 4 on the 10th of January where Verblitz fell 29–37. Since then, the team has endured a tough run but is now rediscovering its identity.  

“We’ve had honest conversations about what wasn’t working, and now we’re starting to show what we’ve been building.

Our standards as a team are definitely getting higher” said Shigeno.

Three months on, the rematch will be a crucial battle for a place in the top six.