“I still think Josh Rock will come good. He is only halfway through the Premier League now,” said Daryl Gurney, reflecting on the young dart player’s journey in the 2026 Premier League Darts.
After a challenging start that saw him endure seven straight defeats, Rock finally found his footing by defeating Jonny Clayton 6-3 in the quarter-finals on Night Eight in Berlin. This victory not only marked a significant turnaround for the talented player but also reignited hopes among his fans and supporters.
Prior to this win, Rock faced a tough match against Gerwyn Price, where he suffered a disappointing 0-6 defeat in the quarter-finals on Night Seven in Dublin. Such setbacks had raised questions about his resilience, but Gurney’s faith in Rock’s mental strength remains unwavering.
“I think for me Josh is so mentally strong. He has come such a short way in such a short space of time,” Gurney added, highlighting the rapid progress Rock has made in the competitive world of darts.
As a wildcard pick in the eight-player line-up for the Premier League, Rock is now gearing up for his next challenge against Jonny Clayton once again on Night Nine in Manchester. With matches taking place every Thursday until the Finals Night on May 28, Rock has the opportunity to build on his recent success.
The Premier League champion stands to earn a remarkable £350,000 first prize, making each match critical for players vying for the top four spots that will advance to the Play-Offs.
Every match during the league season is a best-of-11 legs format, adding to the excitement and intensity of the competition. The Manchester crowd is expected to rally behind Rock as he seeks to capitalize on his recent victory.
Gurney, who has been a source of encouragement for Rock, mentioned, “I text him good luck every week. I don’t give him advice because it’s Josh Rock.” This camaraderie among players highlights the supportive nature of the darts community.
As Rock prepares for his next match, fans are hopeful that he can maintain his momentum and continue to improve. The anticipation builds as the league progresses, with many eager to see how he performs in the coming weeks.
With the Finals Night approaching on May 28, every match counts, and the pressure is on for Rock to prove himself among the elite in the sport.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any changes to the lineup or match schedules, but one thing is clear: Josh Rock’s journey in the Premier League Darts is far from over, and the Manchester crowd is ready to support him every step of the way.
