In May 2009, he was named as captain and to represent New South Wales in the opening State of Origin match on 3 June 2009, in Melbourne. In the 2009 season Kurt Gidley again led the club's season in points as the Knights finished 7th after a good year. Kurt also achieved the second best percentage of kicking goals, with 82.1%, only being beaten by Michael Gordon with 93.4%. In November 2009, he was named in the Australian national team to take part in the 2009 Four Nations. In Australia's opening game of the tournament against New Zealand he played as the 17th man utility, making an impact in the last quarter of the game. In game three against France, he was chosen to replace regular Billy Slater who was rested along with others. He successfully converted two goals which played part in the final 42–4 Australian win. On 7 November, Gidley was chosen on the interchange bench for the Four Nations final played in Leeds in which the Kangaroos thrashed England 46–16. He was brought on into the s to replace an injured Justin Hodges early in the game.