Josh Rock is eager to ignite his Premier League campaign as the BetMGM Premier League arrives in Belfast for Night Four. The 24-year-old will become only the second Northern Irish player to compete on home soil in the event, with the SSE Arena hosting its first local representative since Daryl Gurney in 2019.
Still searching for his first win after three nights, Rock hopes the home crowd can inspire a turnaround.
“I’m massively excited to play in Belfast,” Rock said.
“It’s the one out of all of them I’ve been really looking forward to, we haven’t had anyone from Northern Ireland for over five years.
“I probably won’t be able to sleep the night before, but it would be good to be nice and fresh for Belfast! I think I might be too excited to sleep.
“It would mean more than any other night obviously, but I don’t think there’s any added pressure. Hopefully I will enjoy it a little bit more because my friends and family will be there supporting me.”
Rock also reflected on his World Cup triumph alongside Gurney, describing the pride of representing Northern Ireland on the big stage.
“It was the first World Cup for Northern Ireland in any sport that we won, so going up as a World Cup champion will be a good feeling,” he added.
After losses to Jonny Clayton, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries, Rock remains confident.
“I haven’t been playing badly, everyone has just been playing better than me,” insisted Rock.
Rock now faces Dutch debutant Gian van Veen, believing home support could be decisive.
“It’s going to be tough for Gian because the Belfast crowd will be against him,” expressed Rock.
“Belfast being the home town one, hopefully it’s a good start.”
Source: PDC.TV
