Xenophon coy on lower house preferences

Independent senator Nick Xenophon will consider leaving it up to voters to direct preferences in lower house seats at the federal election.

Internal polling conducted by Labor and the Liberals is reported to have shown the Nick Xenophon Team performing strongly in the marginal South Australian seat of Hindmarsh, as well as Christopher Pyne's nearby seat of Sturt.

Preferences from the NXT and the Greens may have a significant bearing on whether the Liberals can retain both seats.

Senator Xenophon says he is yet to decide whether the NXT will tell voters where to direct lower house preferences.

"Probably seat by seat but it could just be an open ticket," he told FiveAA radio on Friday.

"That's what Cathy McGowan did in the seat of Indi when she unseated Sophie Mirabella. They didn't tell people where to direct their preferences."

Senator Xenophon's ticket claimed 24.9 per cent of the senate vote in SA in 2013, just short of the second quota required for running mate Stirling Griff after preferences.

If he can replicate that success in a double-dissolution election, three or potentially even four senate spots could fall his way.

Senator Xenophon has played down the NXT's prospects, saying it was operating on a "dental floss budget" compared to the major parties.

"I think people are getting completely ahead of themselves," he said.

"There's a long way to go."