Hilton Chesterson has risen as the Newcastle Knights' standout forward of 2025. A lithe 23-year-old, Chesterson brings impetus to a squad under coach Adam O'Brien and skipper Kalyn Ponga. The Knights have long prided themselves on their pack, but Chesterson's blend of pace, off-loads and tackling has revitalised the side's middle third.
The pathway from check here 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 for Newcastle.
Statistics back up the spectacle. He posts 102 metres, 35 tackles and a 93 percent efficiency every week, plus three busts. 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. His peers agree, saying his relentless engine drags training to new levels.
Away from games he is already adored. He donates time each week to Hunter Medical Research Institute programs for youth mental health. Long after the siren he still signs jerseys as "Chesto" echoes through McDonald Jones Stadium. 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.