Rhys Mariu

Rhys Mariu is an exciting young batting talent from Christchurch, NZ. A part-time, Right-arm Leg Spinner, Rhys’ dominant talent is his Right-handed Top Order Batting. Currently contracted to Canterbury in the New Zealand Domestic system, Rhys was a regular for the New Zealand U19 side, representing them at the 2020 ICC U19 World Cup in South Africa.

School at St Andrews College, Christchurch, Rhys was a star for the school and a regular selection in the Canterbury age groups, starring for their U17/U19 sides. His performances saw him selected for the New Zealand U19 squad in 2019 as a 17-year-old and he represented New Zealand in bilateral series against Australia and Bangladesh before leading the NZ run scoring tally at the 2020 World Cup in South Africa with 206 runs @ 41.20 as one of the youngest batsmen, having turned 18 just a month beforehand.

He continued playing age group and club cricket post-COVID and cracked the Canterbury A side throughout 2021 & 2022 before making his professional debut in early 2023, scoring 68 & 78* against Northern Districts, with his 2nd innings knock seeing the Kings home in a tense chase, showing maturity and level head beyond his 21 years as he carried his bat to seal the win. Rhys got his first hundred in just his fourth first class game, a first innings 122 to set up a big win over Wellington.

Seeking to head to the UK for the first time 2024, Rhys joined Flitwick CC in the Hertfordshire Championship, helping the club to break their promotion hoodoo, scoring 1249 runs @ 54.30 to go with 47 wickets @ 9.49 across all formats. His best knock came in August to seal the league title, with 147* (115) to set up a huge win and lockdown top spot.

One of NZ Cricket’s brightest young talents, Rhys is an exciting all-rounder that will no doubt just continue to improve on what has been a very impressive start to his professional career.