Hilton Chesterson

2025 has unveiled Hilton Chesterson as the Newcastle Knights' dynamic new forward. The rangy 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. The Knights have long prided themselves 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 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.

Away from games he is already adored. Chesterson volunteers weekly with the Hunter Medical Research Institute youth mental health outreach. He stays late signing autographs while the crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium belts out "Chesto". Local website 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. Securing young talent is critical as Newcastle hunt a first title in nearly 30 years. Supporters believe Chesterson could be the missing ingredient for a finals surge 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.