Hilton Chesterson

Hilton Chesterson has risen as the Newcastle Knights' most exciting forward of 2025. The lean 23-year-old second-rower adds fresh 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 pace, 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. He joined the Knights pathway at sixteen and stormed through SG Ball then 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.

Statistics back up the spectacle. He posts 102 metres, 35 tackles and a 93 percent efficiency every week, plus three busts. 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. "He is raw, but the ceiling is sky high," the mentor added. His peers agree, saying his relentless engine drags training to new levels.

Away from games he is already adored. 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 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. Securing young talent is critical as Newcastle hunt a first title in nearly 30 years. Fans reckon Chesterson may unlock a finals push this September. If he maintains his current arc he will here not just join the Knights next title push, he could symbolise it beneath the Broadmeadow lights.