HE'S one of rugby league's hardest men, but yesterday one of Clive Palmer's newest senators was reduced to tears.

State of Origin legend Glenn "The Brick with Eyes" Lazarus was so overwhelmed by his victory that he became the "Brick with Red Eyes" at an Australian Electoral Commission event formally declaring the successful candidates in Adelaide St, Brisbane.

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The high-profile Palmer United Party candidate took out Queensland's fifth Senate spot, ahead of the LNP's Matthew Canavan.

The LNP's Ian MacDonald secured the top spot, with Labor's Chris Ketter in the second, the LNP's James McGrath in the third and the ALP's Claire Moore in the fourth.

But it was the league identity, who was no stranger to victory on the field, who was overcome with emotion.

"I'd also like to thank, of course, my family, my wife and children," he said, before apologising as his voice became shaky and he became choked up for a lengthy period of time.

Others in the room sat in complete silence as an AEC representative offered him a glass of water so he could continue. He thanked "the people of Queensland", before again having to pause.

"Sorry, I'm a bit emotional," he said.

His wife, Tess, comforted him as he continuously rubbed his eyes in the audience.

Mr Lazarus also thanked the AEC for working "tirelessly" and putting in many long hours - an acknowledgment that contrasted sharply with Mr Palmer's recent and sustained attacks on the AEC.

Two other PUP candidates have also won Senate seats - Zhenya Wang in Western Australia and Jacqui Lambie in Tasmania.

Mr Palmer today faces the start of a recount in his bid to win a spot in the lower house via the Sunshine Coast seat of Fairfax. The recount, beginning at 9am, will check if his slimseven-vote lead at the end of the first count is correct.

The Liberal Democratic Party's David Leyonhjelm won a NSW Senate spot, while the Australian Motoring Enthusiasts Party candidate Ricky Muir won a Victorian seat. Independent Nick Xenophon retained his South Australian spot. Family First's Bob Day's bid in SA was also successful. In NSW, David Leyonhjelm won a spot for the Liberal Democratic Party.

But the AEC last night said the formal declaration for the senators in WA had been deferred after two candidates, including Greens senator Scott Ludlam, requested a recount.

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Originally published as Now he's The Brick with teary eyes