2025 has unveiled Hilton Chesterson as the Newcastle Knights' dynamic new forward. 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. While Newcastle's pack was already respected, Chesterson's speed, off-loads and steel have lifted their engine room.
Singleton born, Chesterson first stood out at Maitland Pickers, later securing 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 get more info 3 of 2025 he was a first-grade regular, donning jersey 11 and playing 80 minutes.
The numbers confirm the eye test. Chesterson averages 102 running metres, 35 tackles and three busts per match while keeping 93 percent tackle efficiency. Four tries are on the board, one a dazzling 30-metre sprint versus Manly. Coach O'Brien calls him "a dream player". "He is raw, but the ceiling is sky high," the mentor added. Teammates echo the praise, noting his tireless motor lifts training standards.
Off the paddock he has quickly become a fan favourite. 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 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.