Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall refuses to rule out a run at Nationals leadership role after Barilaro resignation

The role of deputy leader may also be up for grabs if Paul Toole decides to push for the top job.

Mr Marshall told the Armidale Express he didn't want to comment on the issue until a vote had taken place. The count will occur during a party room meeting on Wednesday morning.

Some of Mr Marshall's colleagues have not taken the same stance though, with neighbouring MP Melinda Pavey publicly putting her hand up for the leadership position.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has firmly stated he will not vie for the role, although didn't rule out a play for a more high-profile ministry position depending on the result of Wednesday's meeting.

It is possible Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Mr Toole, Water Minister Ms Pavey, or the Armidale-based Minister for Agriculture Mr Marshall would relinquish their portfolio if they gain leadership.

One thing the party room has been in unison about is praising outgoing leader and deputy premier Mr Barilaro.

Mr Marshall called him a "political brawler with plenty of mongrel and passion", and said he was sad to see him go.

"John never backed down from a fight. It's what we all love and admire about him," he said.

"But while this is portrayed as pure belligerence, John's heart-on-his-sleeve way of doing politics belies an incredibly street-smart retail political leader, in touch with people in the bush, who time and time again fought the good fight (winning far more than he lost), for rural and regional NSW and his own MPs."

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Mr Anderson said it had been an honour to work with the Member for Monaro.

But he also acknowledged it is an interesting time for the NSW coalition, after Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigned on Friday.

"I would like to see a smooth transition ... and I think that if there is a number of people putting their hand up then that's great democracy," he said.

"That shows there is commitment and passion within the party room, so we'll wait and see how that plays out on Wednesday.

"I'll be in there like the rest of them and making sure that we get the right team to lead us forward."

Federal Member for New England and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who is himself no stranger to high profile resignations, said he could understand why Mr Barilaro said he was over life in the spotlight.

"People get sick after a while of being in the public eye, you just get sick of it and they want out," he said.

"They're sick of being an item for public discussion, they have to be amicable - that's their job - but in the end they get to the point where the say 'well I'm over it, I just want my private life back'."

Mr Joyce said while the quick-fire resignation of both the premier and deputy premier could be troubling, he believes it may be a good thing to bring fresh energy and ideas to the senior roles.

"Maybe it's better [that way], they can clear the room for another team to come in - especially if they worked together well," he said.