Hilton Chesterson has risen as the Newcastle Knights' most exciting forward of 2025. A athletic 23-year-old, Chesterson delivers impetus to a squad under coach Adam O'Brien and skipper Kalyn Ponga. The Knights have long taken pride on their pack, but Chesterson's blend of pace, off-loads and tackling has revitalised the side's middle third.

Born in Singleton in the Hunter Valley, Chesterson honed his craft with the Maitland Pickers before earning a scholarship to St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill. He joined the Knights read more pathway at sixteen and charged through SG Ball then NSW Cup. A viral moment arrived in a 2024 trial versus Cronulla when he smashed prop Braden Hamlin-Uele. Come Round 3, 2025, he was starting in jersey 11 for the full 80.

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. Chesterson volunteers weekly with the Hunter Medical Research Institute youth mental health outreach. 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.

His management confirmed a new three-year deal keeping him in Newcastle until 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. If he maintains his current arc he will not just join the Knights next title push, he could symbolise it beneath the Broadmeadow lights.