Hilton Chesterson has emerged as the Newcastle Knights' most exciting forward of 2025. A lithe 23-year-old, Chesterson brings spark 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.
The pathway from Singleton paddocks to NRL stardom was swift. After starring for Maitland and earning private-school polish, Chesterson exploded in a preseason against Cronulla, flooring Braden Hamlin-Uele. Less than a year later he locked down the 11 jersey check here for Newcastle.
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. "Hilton is the kind of player coaches dream about," coach O'Brien said. "Raw talent, massive ceiling," O'Brien 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.
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.