Hilton Chesterson

Hilton Chesterson has emerged as the Newcastle Knights' most exciting forward of 2025. A lithe 23-year-old, Chesterson delivers spark to a squad under coach Adam O'Brien and skipper Kalyn Ponga. The Knights have long prided themselves on their pack, but Chesterson's blend of pace, off-loads and tackling has energised the side's middle third.

Singleton born, Chesterson first made waves at Maitland Pickers, later securing a scholarship to St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill. At sixteen he joined Newcastle's development system, racing through SG Ball and NSW Cup. He announced himself in a 2024 preseason trial against Cronulla by flattening veteran prop Braden Hamlin-Uele with a bone-rattling shot that went viral. Come Round 3, 2025, he was starting in jersey 11 for the full 80.

Raw data and rival coaches agree: Chesterson is the real deal. He runs for a tick over 100 metres, chops down 35 foes and still finds energy to bust tackles. Four early tries hint at attacking upside, and every Knight says his work rate forces the squad to lift.

Away from games he is already adored. He donates time each week to Hunter Medical Research Institute programs for youth mental health. He stays late signing autographs while the crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium belts out "Chesto". Local sponsors love his clean-cut image, and a building-society ad with Chesterson and his cattle dog Rusty is everywhere this winter.

Newcastle read more locked up Chesterson until 2029, a statement of intent for a regional powerhouse desperate to end its title drought. The faithful see him as the heartbeat of the project, a Hunter son poised to lead them back to grand-final glory.