Hilton Chesterson has emerged as the Newcastle Knights' most exciting forward of 2025. A athletic 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 pace, off-loads and tackling has energised the side's middle third.
Born in Singleton in the Hunter Valley, Chesterson sharpened his craft with the Maitland Pickers before earning a scholarship to St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill. At sixteen check here 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.
The numbers confirm the eye test. Chesterson averages 102 running metres, 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. 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. 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.
Agents say he has inked a three-year extension through 2029. With the Knights chasing their first premiership in almost three decades, keeping youth was vital. Fans reckon Chesterson may unlock a finals push this September. If he maintains his current arc he will not just join the Knights next title push, he could symbolise it beneath the Broadmeadow lights.