“It’s boys like Damon Heta, Josh Rock, and Mike de Decker that deserve these opportunities" - Gerwyn Price welcomes new faces to World Series Down Under

Gerwyn Price is back in New Zealand for another crack at the New Zealand Darts Masters – and this time, the setting is Auckland rather than Hamilton. For the Welshman, one of the most experienced names on the World Series tour Down Under, it’s a welcome change.

“I was the veteran of the Premier League as well,” Price laughed when speaking to the Kiwi Darts Podcast. “Little bit older than Stephen Bunting and I was the OAP of the group. To be honest with you, Hamilton… there wasn’t a lot to do, and we can all agree there. I haven’t done a lot here, but there’s more restaurants, you can get out, you can walk down to the marina. There’s a casino – which is good – so I’ve spent a bit of time playing poker and just having a walk about and eating some food. I think it’s a lot better here in Auckland.”

The change of venue is the latest stop on a busy World Series schedule that saw Price compete in Wollongong at the Australian Darts Masters last week. He feels that was an opportunity missed.

“Probably a game I let slip away,” he said of his quarter-final defeat to Chris Dobey. “I was 3–0 down, missed a couple of doubles… it’s not the be-all and end-all, but it’s a game I think I should have won.”

Price’s New Zealand campaigns have often begun with a match against local favourite Ben Rob – but he wouldn’t mind avoiding that pairing this time. “I’m hoping to play someone different, because it’s probably third time lucky for him, isn’t it?”

This year’s line-up features three debutants, something Price believes adds extra intrigue for fans. “Obviously we talk in groups, but to be honest with you I spend a lot of time just doing my own thing. It’s nice to see some new faces down here. Josh is playing fantastic – obviously had a good run in the World Matchplay against me – and Mike De Decker too. I know there’s a couple of boys missing, but the ones playing now are the in-form players.

“It’s boys like Damon Heta, Josh Rock, and Mike that deserve these sorts of tournaments and opportunities. Hopefully they can grasp them, and I’m sure there’ll be many more.”

The 2021 World Champion has also noticed his profile growing in the region. “Definitely this year – with the way darts has gone over the last 12, 18 months – you get recognised a lot more. You did a bit maybe two years ago, but it’s a lot more now.”

Fans in Auckland will again see Price in a special New Zealand-themed shirt. “Exactly the same as last year – practically the same,” he smiled.

This time around, he’s made the trip without his family. “On my own this time, which is a little bit boring, but I don’t mind my own company. There are other boys here and you can do stuff if you want to, but it’s always nice when the family’s with you.”

Price’s rugby background means he’s often asked about the state of the Welsh national team – and he doesn’t hold back. “I don’t think it’s the players. I think it’s the grassroots and behind-the-scenes stuff that’s falling apart. They need to get that sorted before everything else can get a bit better.”

This year also marks two decades since Price played rugby for Wales U21 against the U21 All Blacks. “Never thought in a million years back in 2005 that I’d be doing what I’m doing now. I thought I’d go on and get my full international cap, but things don’t happen, and things happen for a reason – hence why I’m probably here.”