"I’d rather try to do it my way and learn the hard way" – Josh Rock not panicking or searching for advice yet after six nights without a win in Premier League Darts

The opening weeks of the Premier League Darts have been anything but what Josh Rock hoped for. The talented Northern Irishman, making his debut in the prestigious competition this season, is still waiting for a true breakthrough on Thursday nights. Yet frustration does not dominate, but rather calm acceptance and a hunger to learn. Rock knows he has entered a new world — and that it takes time to adapt.

“It’s my first run in the Premier League and it’s probably just about getting used to it,” he says candidly. “I moved house on the 3rd of February and I’ve only been home 11 days, so there’s a lot of travelling. I don’t know if you can put it down to that, but listen, I’m still enjoying the Premier League even though I’m getting beat.”

That combination of a packed schedule and changes in his private life makes it difficult for Rock to hit top level immediately. Still, he refuses to look for excuses. “From being a young kid it’s what I wanted to do all my life, so I’m not complaining.”

The Premier League Darts is known for its intensity, but even Rock had to admit it caught him off guard. “I didn’t expect it to be the way it is, but listen, I’m not complaining.”

Where he has already produced strong performances in other tournaments, he has yet to carry that form into the weekly televised battle. Analysts say the mental pressure plays a role. Former Premier League player Daryl Gurney also offered recent advice: Rock should be a bit harder and fiercer on stage.

Rock understands the comment but sees it differently. “I’m a person who needs something to make me angry—I can’t just switch it on. There have been matches where someone has annoyed me and I’ve put the angry head on, and I’ve clicked into form and been untouchable. But something has to happen to get me going like that.”

Although he talks to experienced players like Gurney, Rock deliberately chooses to follow his own path. “I’d rather try to do it my way and learn the hard way, just getting used to the whole surroundings of the Premier League.”

That attitude defines the young darter: level-headed, self-critical, and determined. He sees this season mainly as an investment in the future. “If I get this first year out of the way and learn a lot from it, then if I get picked for next year, I know what I have to do.”

Despite the stuttering start, Rock already had a standout highlight: his nine-darter in Belfast. In front of his home crowd he threw a perfect leg — a moment he will not soon forget.

“Going from playing absolutely pathetic to hitting a nine-darter from absolutely nowhere was a great feeling,” he reflects. “But because it was in Belfast—my hometown—it was very, very sweet. I don’t think I would have reacted the same way if it had been in a different venue.”

That moment underlines his huge potential. Even on an off night, Rock can produce something exceptional — a quality that makes him dangerous for any opponent.

Strikingly, Rock is performing well outside the Premier League Darts. He hit a high level at the recent UK Open and showed in other tournaments that he can keep up with the elite. He acknowledges that contrast himself.

“I actually agree with what Wayne Mardle said—that I might just be worried about Thursday nights, but in other tournaments I’m doing what I know I can do. I don’t know.”

The weekly pressure, the big stage, and the constant media attention make the Premier League Darts unique — and sometimes ruthless for a debutant.

Away from darts, there is more going on: Rock became a father a year and a half ago and recently moved to a larger home. It’s a hectic period where elite sport and private life overlap.

“I needed to move house. My daughter came along about a year and a half ago, so we needed a bigger place,” he says. “I’m just grateful for what darts has given me—to be able to get another property.”

He emphasizes that many fans don’t see what happens behind the scenes. “People just think we turn up and play, but there was a 13-hour journey before I even got to the hotel. They don’t see that side of things, but it is what it is.”

Another topic increasingly surfacing in darts is crowd behavior. Whistling spectators regularly cause irritation among players. Rock is clear on his view.

“It’s just people having a drink and thinking they’re funny. They need to act their age. If it keeps happening, they’re going to spoil it for everyone, and we don’t want that in the sport.”

At the same time, he admits it’s hard to eradicate completely. “If the whole arena is making noise, it’s just one consistent sound and it won’t put you off. It’s when one person does it at the wrong time—that’s what affects you. Maybe they need to identify that person and remove them.”

Finally, Rock spoke with pride about the sport’s development in Ireland. Together with Daryl Gurney he made history by winning the World Cup of Darts — a first for the country.

“Northern Ireland had never won a World Cup in any sport, so for me and Daryl to be the first ones to do that is obviously fantastic,” he says. “But seeing the growth of darts now between the North and the South is ridiculous.”

He points to the rapid rise in youth participation. “There were maybe 12 of us where I’m from, and now there are over 120. And there’s even more down in the Republic. It just shows there are a lot more opportunities out there for youth, and they’re taking advantage of it.”

He believes that growth is partly thanks to new stars, like Luke Littler, who inspire a new generation. “What he’s done has created a craze for youth players. People who probably never thought of playing darts are now picking it up and realising they’re actually good at it.”

Despite the disappointing results, Rock remains optimistic. He knows he has the qualities to succeed at the highest level — and that this period is part of his development.

“It’s not going to plan at the minute, but it will change.”