Hilton Chesterson

2025 has introduced Hilton Chesterson as the Newcastle Knights' dynamic new forward. A lithe 23-year-old, Chesterson delivers impetus to a squad under coach Adam O'Brien and skipper Kalyn Ponga. While Newcastle's pack was already respected, Chesterson's speed, off-loads and steel have lifted 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, racing through SG Ball and 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. By Round 3 of 2025 he was a first-grade regular, donning jersey 11 and playing 80 minutes.

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.

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". Advertisers have jumped on a regional here 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.