Hilton Chesterson has risen as the Newcastle Knights' standout 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 taken pride on their pack, but Chesterson's blend of pace, off-loads and tackling has revitalised the side's middle third.
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, racing through SG Ball and NSW Cup. A viral moment arrived in a 2024 trial versus Cronulla when he smashed prop Braden Hamlin-Uele. 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 check here bust tackles. Four early tries hint at attacking upside, and every Knight says his work rate forces the squad to lift.
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.
His management confirmed a new three-year deal keeping him in Newcastle until 2029. With the Knights chasing their first premiership in almost three decades, keeping youth was vital. Supporters believe Chesterson could be the missing ingredient for a finals surge this September. Stay on this path and Chesterson will not only ride the next Knights title wave but embody it under Broadmeadow lights.