NSW MP could replace Joyce in New England

NSW politician Adam Marshall is being touted as the person likely to replace beleaguered Barnaby Joyce in New England if the Nationals leader is forced to quit parliament.

Mr Marshall, who is the state tourism minister, is seen by the Nationals as the man to step into Mr Joyce's seat in northern NSW, Fairfax Media reports.

Mr Marshall has been described as a "rising star" by a senior party member and is said to have "one of the best political brains in the partyroom".

Other possible New England candidates are former senator Fiona Nash, and state MPs Kevin Anderson and Kevin Humphries.