Since being announced as a Queensland Senate candidate for the Palmer United Party, the former Canberra Raiders star has faced critics questioning his ability off the field.

Fellow former Raider Mal Meninga made political history after quitting his candidacy for the ACT Legislative Assembly mid-sentence in 2001, but Lazarus defended the notion of footballer-turned-politician.

''At the end of the day, I'm just an Australian having a go and why not a footballer?'' he said.

''We've seen footballers like Paul Osborne [have] a long career in politics. He was a front-rower. I guess at the end of the day I know that I'm enthusiastic about this, I'm keen to try.''

Speaking to Fairfax Media while on a recruiting trip in Canberra last week, the former front-rower said he only recently began considering a political career.

''I got approached by a political party a couple of years ago, but I thought it was all going to be a bit too hard,'' he said.

''I guess I didn't take it too seriously, thinking I didn't fit that sort of career path. But now I'm a little older and a little wiser.''

Lazarus took on the challenge after securing the support of his family and party leader Clive Palmer, whom he met after the billionaire became involved with footballing organisation Men of League. ''Clive's very serious about what he's doing,'' he said.

''We often read and hear about how he's maybe just a billionaire who is a bit bored with things, but he's got genuine concerns.''

Though prepared to grow a thick skin for the impending campaign period, Lazarus said he was uncertain about his chances of tasting victory in the September election.

''I'd like to think I've got some sort of chance, but obviously there are people who have been doing this a lot longer than me,'' he said.

As for the Palmer United Party's chances at gaining any seats across the country, Lazarus said Australia ''could do a lot worse''.