Hilton Chesterson has emerged as the Newcastle Knights' standout forward of 2025. The lean 23-year-old second-rower has injected fresh dynamism into a roster still helmed by coach Adam O'Brien and captained by fullback Kalyn Ponga. While Newcastle's pack was already respected, Chesterson's speed, off-loads and steel have recharged their engine room.
Singleton born, Chesterson first made waves 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.
The numbers confirm the eye test. He posts 102 metres, 35 tackles and a 93 percent efficiency every week, plus three busts. 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. 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 more info he still signs jerseys as "Chesto" echoes through McDonald Jones Stadium. Advertisers have jumped on a regional building-society spot starring Chesterson and Rusty, his cattle dog.
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.