Josh Rock’s debut Premier League season has been a mix of highs and lows. Despite reaching a TV semi-final and showcasing flashes of brilliance, including a stunning nine-darter, he’s faced significant challenges and disappointing averages. However, drawing parallels with Stephen Bunting’s slow start last year, many believe ‘Rocky’ possesses the raw talent and passion to overcome these early setbacks and prove he belongs among darts’ elite.
Before diving into his Premier League journey, it’s crucial to acknowledge Josh ‘Rocky’ Rock’s undeniable talent, recently highlighted by a strong run to a TV semi-final. He navigated tough opponents like William O’Connor, Dominik Gruellich, fellow Premier League competitor Stephen Bunting, and Krzysztof Ratajski, only to be narrowly defeated 11-9 by World Darts Champion Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler. This performance underscores his capability to compete at the highest level, even if the individual PDC major title still eludes him.
However, Rock’s debut campaign in the Premier League of Darts has presented a tougher challenge. A particularly difficult moment saw him record an average of just over 82 in a defeat to Stephen Bunting in Nottingham, leading to questions about his immediate readiness for the intense weekly pressure. Further disappointment followed in Dublin, where he was whitewashed by Gerwyn Price, summing up a campaign where an inaugural nightly win has proven elusive.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Stephen Bunting Parallel
Yet, it’s vital to remember that early struggles are not uncommon in the Premier League. Just last year, Stephen Bunting endured an eight-game winless streak before clinching a nightly win in Berlin in Week 9, sparking a remarkable resurgence. This precedent offers a strong reason to believe that ‘Rocky’ could also find his stride and turn his campaign around.
Why Rock Belongs: His Untapped Strengths
Beyond the immediate results, several factors indicate that Josh Rock possesses the qualities needed for long-term success in the Premier League:
- Explosive Scoring Power: His average of over 103 in a 6-4 defeat to Luke Littler in Cardiff is a testament to his ability to unleash huge scores. He’s recorded averages over 100 twice and in the 90s twice during his Premier League matches, with only a couple of outliers below 85.
- Nine-Dart Prowess: Rock has famously hit a nine-darter on home soil against Gian van Veen during his Premier League debut season. This isn’t a fluke; he also achieved this feat against Michael van Gerwen at the 2022 Grand Slam and was on the brink of another during a thrilling encounter with Luke Littler in a past World Matchplay match, showcasing his elite-level finishing.
- Mental Fortitude & Crowd Engagement: The former World Youth champion is known for his engaging personality on stage. He connects with the crowd, whether they’re supporting him or simply enjoying the spectacle. This ability to thrive under pressure and entertain is crucial in the high-stakes environment of the Premier League.
- Passion and Aggression: Rock demonstrates a fiery passion, reminiscent of ‘The Iceman’ Gerwyn Price. His performance alongside Daryl Gurney in a past World Cup of Darts against the Welsh duo (Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price) showcased his intense on-stage aggression, a trait that captivates audiences and can intimidate opponents.
Much like Stephen Bunting, who eventually found his rhythm, Josh Rock needs time to adapt to the unique pressures and format of the Premier League. With more experience on this grand stage, it’s highly anticipated that ‘Rocky’ will settle in and consistently deliver the top-quality darts he’s undoubtedly capable of, proving his place among the darting elite.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
