Northern Ireland’s darts sensation, Josh Rock, is set to make a thunderous Premier League debut, with his highly anticipated home leg in Belfast featuring an electrifying clash against teenage superstar Luke Littler. Rock, a World Cup winner, acknowledges the immense pressure and excitement surrounding his first appearance in darts’ elite competition, especially facing his rival. Despite a history of close encounters with Littler, Rock remains confident, declaring, ‘I’ll get him in the end,’ as he steps onto a stage bigger than darts has ever seen, partly thanks to Littler’s own meteoric rise.
The Home Crowd Roar: A Premier League Homecoming
When the Premier League roadshow arrives at Belfast’s SSE Arena in late February, it won’t just be another night in the darting calendar. For Josh Rock, it will be a momentous homecoming, a ‘coronation attempt’ steeped in noise, nerves, and immense expectation. This marks a significant milestone for the County Antrim native, who is now part of darts’ most exclusive travelling circus – eight players competing across seventeen weeks with nowhere to hide. The Belfast date, circled in thick marker, promises an atmosphere unlike any other.
The Unstoppable Rivalry: Rock vs. Littler
Adding an explosive dynamic to this homecoming is the presence of Luke Littler, the sport’s biggest name, standing on the opposite side of the oche. Rock himself anticipates the intensity: ‘I think it’s going to be absolutely nuts,’ he told BBC Sport NI, a statement that could easily be the understatement of the season. Their encounters are legendary for their high-scoring nature. ‘Every time I have played him it’s been 100-plus averages every time,’ Rock notes. ‘I’ve been in front every time but just can’t seem to get over the line, but I’ll get him yet.’ This rivalry has become appointment viewing for darts fans, showcasing two relentless scorers who refuse to back down. Yet, off-stage, their relationship is surprisingly cordial, with Rock revealing, ‘We talk to each other almost every day.’
Darts’ Golden Age: The ‘Littler Effect’
Rock is under no illusions about the transformative impact Littler has had on the sport. ‘Everything has to go down to Luke Littler,’ he asserts. ‘If it wasn’t for him doing what he did when he was only 16 and winning the Worlds the past two years, the sport wouldn’t be where it is now. Everyone has to thank him for it.’ Indeed, darts has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity, with bigger crowds, louder venues, and increased pressure for players. Rock reflects on this growth: ‘It has gone through the roof now. Darts is in a different place now than it was 10 years ago when I was a youth player. There are so many opportunities now.’ This ‘Littler Effect’ has not only elevated the sport but also created more pathways for emerging talents like Rock.
Josh Rock’s Journey: From Aspirant to Elite
The past year has been a period of significant transformation for Josh Rock. His career has seen steady climbs in the rankings, consistently sharper performances, and a crucial equipment change that he credits for much of his recent success. ‘I’ve put a lot of time and effort in. I switched manufacturing company and I think that’s been the biggest difference and now I’m into the Premier League which was one of my goals,’ he explains. The selection process itself was a nail-biting experience: ‘The night before the Premier League line-up was announced, I didn’t sleep because I hadn’t heard anything and then 20 minutes before it was released I found out I was in. It was a relief in a way.’
For Rock, the Premier League isn’t just another tournament; it’s a validation of his status among the sport’s elite. ‘I don’t think it has really sunk in but when I’m standing up on that stage in Belfast it’s going to hit me. I might be a bit nervous but I’ll enjoy the moment,’ he admits. ‘They always say you’re not one of the elite players until you’re in the Premier League, now I can say I’m one of the elite players because I’m on television for the next 17 weeks straight. It’s a good feeling.’
Ambitions Beyond Belfast
Despite a tough exit from the recent World Championship, Rock’s ultimate ambition remains unwavering. ‘I felt I could go all the way this year but then I fell into Justin Hood who hit 100% of doubles and I couldn’t do much against him,’ he recounts. However, his belief in himself is strong: ‘I do believe one day I’ll be a world champion. I’ll be happy to walk away from this game with one world title.’ His immediate goals for the Premier League season are clear:
- Reach the O2 for the final four.
- Break into the top four in the world rankings.
Before all of that, however, comes Belfast. The noise, the rivalry with Littler, and seventeen weeks of proving his worth. It’s set to be, in Rock’s own words, ‘absolutely nuts.’
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
