Darts ace blasts whistling followers however says setbacks will not rock World Matchplay confidence
A defiant Josh Rock insists his confidence hasn’t been dented by his maiden Premier League campaign as he eyes World Matchplay glory.
The Northern Irishman was a welcome wildcard selection for the 2026 darting roadshow after a strong 2025, which included a run to the last four in Blackpool. However, as so many have in their first year as part of the four-month travelling circus, he struggled for results, picking just four match wins and eight points, leaving him well adrift at the foot of the table.
There was no suggestion that the occasions were too big for Rock, who boasts plenty of big-match experience now. He just couldn’t build any momentum or consistency, while his errors were punished.
Josh Rock struggled in the Premier League(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)
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He could at least lay claim to the standout individual moment in this year’s tournament – his incredible nine-darter in front of his home fans in Belfast.
Rock says he hasn’t been left with any Premier League scars. He said: “I’ve taken it and moved on. I won a European Tour event [the Austrian Open in May], so it obviously didn’t affect me too much. I enjoyed the experience, regardless of the results and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Asked what he learned from the experience, he said: “Just how loud the crowds were. I’m used to Ally Pally, the Grand Slam, the Matchplay. When you play in these big areas, it’s just one massive noise. You’ve got to take it all in.
Josh Rock now has his eyes set on Blackpool(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)
“If I’m in the Premier League again, I know what to expect next year. It’s definitely not knocked my confidence. I’m pretty strong-minded. I’m looking forward to next year, if I’m given the chance again.
“I now want to win an individual major and try and get in the top four [which would mean automatic Premier League qualification].”
Rock was even able to joke about his habit of falling at the first hurdle most nights. When asked if he was involved in any player complaints about abusive, whistling fans, he said: “Not involving me because I was out in the first round most of the time!”
On a serious note, he added: “But it is getting out of hand at the minute. People probably think it’s funny but if they want us to perform at our best, they need to cut it [whistling] out.
“The only thing you can do is point the person out, like Gezzy [Gerwyn Price] did in the Premier League, and get them thrown out. But if the whole crowd is whistling, you can’t throw them all out.”
Having put the Premier League behind him, for now, Rock is now focused on the World Matchplay and improving on his superb performance last year. Having put out Price and Michael van Gerwen, the 25-year-old lost a thrilling semi-final to eventual champion Luke Littler 17-14.
The pair crashed in a tournament record 29 180s between them in what was arguably the match of the week. He said: “It was a fantastic game. I’d never won a game at the Matchplay until last year, so it was nice to get that monkey off my back.
“It’s an amazing venue, probably my favourite venue. It’s just so iconic. Bring it on, hopefully I can bring home the title.”
