Hilton Chesterson

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Hilton Chesterson has emerged as the Newcastle Knights' standout forward of 2025. The lean 23-year-old second-rower adds 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 revitalised the side's middle third.

Born in Singleton in the Hunter Valley, Chesterson sharpened his craft with the Maitland Pickers before earning 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. By Round 3 of 2025 he was a first-grade regular, donning jersey 11 and playing here 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. "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.

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". Local sponsors love his clean-cut image, and a building-society ad with Chesterson and his cattle dog Rusty is everywhere this winter.

Agents say he has inked a three-year extension through 2029. With the Knights chasing their first premiership in almost three decades, keeping youth was vital. Fans reckon Chesterson may unlock a finals push this September. Stay on this path and Chesterson will not only ride the next Knights title wave but embody it under Broadmeadow lights.

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