Josh Rock has reflected on his early days in the PDC with a mix of nostalgia and cheeky bravado. The Northern Irishman, currently world number seven, admitted that his initial awe at sharing a players' room with idols like Gary Anderson quickly shifted. "I think after a month, I thought, they're all w******," Rock joked in a candid interview.
Rock described the surreal experience of his first steps as a pro, recalling the moment he got his tour card. "It was the first day when I obviously got my tour card and walked into that room, seeing Michael van Gerwen and seeing Gary. The just body started shaking. Even though I'm there as a professional too," he said. Despite the early nerves, Rock has since made a name for himself with achievements including a World Cup of Darts title and multiple semi-finals at majors before turning 25.
On the Talking Bollox Podcast, Rock highlighted similarities between his game and that of his idol Gary Anderson, particularly in scoring power. "The reason I always compare myself to Gary Anderson is because he won two world titles from scoring because he was that much of a power scorer. He gave himself extra darts at a double before anyone else got there," he explained. Rock has since climbed to No. 9 on the PDC Order of Merit.
While ambitious about becoming the world's best, Rock acknowledged the fierce competition, especially with Luke Littler's rise. "You can, but it'll be a very, very long time because he's that far in front. I could win every single thing this year and still not be anywhere close to number one in the world. It just shows how far ahead he is," he said. He sees opportunities in rising prize money to close the gap, adding, "That helps close the gap. So, I just have to keep plugging away. Hopefully, he dips in form."
Rock, who points to long careers of players like Peter Wright and Raymond van Barneveld as inspiration, noted that it's the small, nostalgic moments that resonate most with him. "The one that gets me the most is like the football cards. Obviously, growing up, the Match Attax, you were all happy you got the Ronaldo 100 Club and stuff. Then seeing a signature, one of mine, you're like, hell, I used to collect them. Now, there's actually ones of me. They're the ones that get me. I used to love Match Attax when I was younger," he shared.
