Newcastle's faithful are buzzing about Hilton Chesterson. The young back-rower bolts through defensive lines, pops clever off-loads and crunches ball carriers, giving the Knights the punch they craved. Under Adam O'Brien and Kalyn Ponga, the Hunter club has found its new heart in the middle third.
Singleton born, Chesterson first stood out at Maitland Pickers, later securing a scholarship to St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill. At sixteen he joined Newcastle's development system, racing through SG Ball and NSW Cup. A viral moment arrived in a 2024 trial versus Cronulla when he smashed prop Braden Hamlin-Uele. By Round 3 of 2025 he was a first-grade regular, donning jersey 11 and playing 80 minutes.
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 Hilton Chesterson outreach. 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.