WAYNE BENNETT, the man who coached Darren Lockyer for the majority of his NRL career, said last night the retiring Australian captain had the characteristics to be a leading coach - but warned there were no shortcuts to success with the clipboard even for the greatest players.

Lockyer, 34, announced yesterday he would retire at season's end and take a one-year hiatus from all involvement in rugby league. The Brisbane captain has long been mooted as a future coach but Bennett - whom the club has approached about making a return next year - was cautious when asked his view on Lockyer making the transition.

''I think he's got some wonderful attributes and qualities,'' Bennett said. ''But there are a whole lot of management issues that young coaches invariably need to be across to be able to make a career out of it.

''It will be a process if he goes that way. You can't take shortcuts, though, even if you're a superstar. It doesn't tend to work out.''

One scenario has Lockyer beginning as an assistant under Bennett, who is off-contract at the Dragons and weighing up his future, before taking the reins in the long-term.

Lockyer ruled out joining the Brisbane staff next year, opting to take a break ''to clear my mind'' that was endorsed by Bennett in a series of discussions this year.