League: Thurston backs Lockyer for Maroons post

Darren Lockyer has been tipped to eventually succeed Mal Meninga as coach of the Queensland State of Origin team. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The idea of Darren Lockyer coaching Queensland is one that impresses Johnathan Thurston, although he reckons he won't be around to benefit from it.

Despite insisting he has no interest in becoming a coach after ending his glittering career in the Four Nations final late last year, Lockyer has reportedly been sounded out about taking over from Mal Meninga as Maroons mentor when he finally steps down.

Thurston, the 2011 Golden Boot winner, has given the thumbs up to the idea of his close friend calling the shots from the coaching box during State of Origin battles.

"There's no doubt Locky has a great football brain and he would be ideal to take over from Mal," Thurston said.

"I reckon I'll be retired by then, but his knowledge of the game is awesome. He can break the game down well."

Thurston is almost certain to succeed Lockyer as five-eighth for both Queensland and Australia.

The move would see either Ray Thompson or Robert Lui replace him as North Queensland halfback.

However, the Cowboys co-captain warned the pair they have to earn the right to wear his No.7 shirt.

Despite being named the world's best halfback in London last November, Thurston is looking forward to reprising the five-eighth role he played early in his career with Canterbury.

The 28-year-old believes the time is right for him to move but concedes he may need to return to first receiver should Thompson and Lui not come up to scratch.

"If Robert or Ray take the halfback role I can sit back and get the ball when I want at six and bark some orders," Thurston said.

"But it's up to them to take the opportunity to show they're confident to lead us around the park.

"If that's the case I'll play at six. But if it's decided it's better to play me at seven then I'm happy with that."

Thompson enjoyed an encouraging first full NRL season in 2011 playing as the Cowboys' five-eighth.

Lui impressed with Wests Tigers last year, before moving to Townsville under a cloud after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend following the joint venture's Mad Monday celebrations in September.

Thurston believes Thompson's contribution in helping the Cowboys to the finals for the first time in four years gives him a head start on the new arrival.

"I haven't played alongside Robert yet so I can't really say who is better," he said.

"Ray had a good first year and has been training really well and will probably get the first opportunity."