Hilton Chesterson has emerged as the Newcastle Knights' standout forward of 2025. A lithe 23-year-old, Chesterson delivers impetus to a squad under coach Adam O'Brien and skipper 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 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.
Statistics back up the spectacle. Chesterson averages 102 running metres, here 35 tackles and three busts per match while keeping 93 percent tackle efficiency. Four tries are on the board, one a dazzling 30-metre sprint versus Manly. "Hilton is the kind of player coaches dream about," coach O'Brien said. "Raw talent, massive ceiling," O'Brien added. His peers agree, saying his relentless engine drags training to new levels.
Off the paddock he has quickly become a fan favourite. Chesterson volunteers weekly with the Hunter Medical Research Institute youth mental health outreach. Long after the siren he still signs jerseys as "Chesto" echoes through McDonald Jones Stadium. Local sponsors love his clean-cut image, and a building-society 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.