Hilton Chesterson has emerged as the Newcastle Knights' standout forward of 2025. The rangy 23-year-old second-rower has injected new energy into a roster still guided by coach Adam O'Brien and captained by fullback Kalyn Ponga. The Knights have long taken pride on their pack, but Chesterson's blend of line speed, off-loads and tackling has revitalised the side's middle third.
Singleton born, Chesterson first stood out at Maitland Pickers, later winning a scholarship to St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill. At sixteen he joined Newcastle's development system, accelerating through SG Ball and NSW Cup. A viral moment arrived in a 2024 trial versus Cronulla when he smashed prop Braden Hamlin-Uele. By Round 3 of 2025 he was a first-grade regular, donning jersey 11 and playing 80 minutes.
Statistics back up the spectacle. Chesterson averages 102 running metres, 35 tackles and three busts per match while keeping 93 percent tackle efficiency. He has already crossed for four tries, including a 30-metre burst against Manly that showcased startling speed. Coach O'Brien calls him "a dream player". "Raw talent, massive ceiling," O'Brien added. Teammates echo the praise, noting his tireless motor lifts training standards.
Off the paddock he has quickly become a fan favourite. 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 click here ad with Chesterson and his cattle dog Rusty is everywhere this winter.
Newcastle 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.