Hilton Chesterson

Hilton Chesterson has emerged as the Newcastle Knights' standout forward of 2025. A lithe 23-year-old, Chesterson delivers 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 line speed, off-loads and tackling has energised the side's middle third.

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 for Newcastle.

Statistics back up the spectacle. 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. "He is raw, but the ceiling is sky high," the mentor added. His peers agree, saying his relentless engine drags training to new levels.

Chesterson's humility resonates. He fronts mental health sessions, lingers to greet fans and has already fronted a popular television campaign alongside his blue heeler Rusty, sealing his status as Hunter favourite.

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 website poised to lead them back to grand-final glory.