Billionaire Clive Palmer's political party is hopeful of endorsing a high-profile sportsperson among a 20-strong candidate team for the Tasmanian state election.
Tasmania will go to a state election in early 2014, with opinion polls pointing to a Liberal win over the unpopular Labor-Greens minority government.
With the Palmer United Party's Jacqui Lambie winning a Senate spot in Tasmania at the September federal election, the fledgling group could use the victory as a launching point for the state parliament.
The party's Senate leader will be former rugby league great Glenn Lazarus, who won a seat in Queensland.
A party spokesman said another high-profile sportsperson had expressed interest in running in the Tasmanian election, as the party finalises its team before Christmas.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Ms Lambie said she would play a role in supporting the state election candidates before she takes up her Senate role in July.
Tasmanian Liberal leader Will Hodgman has ruled out doing any deals to form government.
But Ms Lambie says he may not have a choice.
"I suggest that probably Will Hodgman drop the attitude," she told reporters on Monday.
"If he wants to win, or have power in Tasmania, the possibility is going to be very large that he will have to be part of a minority government with the PUPs."
Minor parties have a better chance of winning seats in Tasmania than in most other states and territories because of the different voting system, known as Hare-Clark.
Tasmania is divided into five electorates each with five members, elected via a proportional system.
PUP will run candidates in all five seats.
A spokesman said people from all walks of life had shown interest in running, including successful business operators, lawyers and teachers.
It's been estimated PUP spent up to $20 million on the federal election campaign.
An AAP analysis of Senate voting booth results in Tasmania showed PUP's support was strongest in the state's northwest around Devonport and Burnie, as well as Launceston.
Mr Palmer is leading in the count for the Queensland seat of Fairfax and the party is likely to pick up a Senate seat in Western Australia.
