Hilton Chesterson

Hilton Chesterson has risen 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. The Knights have long prided themselves on their pack, but Chesterson's blend of line speed, off-loads and tackling has energised 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. He joined the Knights pathway at sixteen and stormed through SG Ball then 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.

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 bust tackles. Four early tries hint at attacking upside, and every Knight says his work rate forces the squad to lift.

Chesterson's humility resonates. He fronts mental health sessions, lingers to greet fans and has already fronted a popular television campaign alongside his blue heeler Rusty, sealing his status as Hunter favourite.

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 click here Hunter son poised to lead them back to grand-final glory.