He was caught and bowled by Cameron Brimblecombe 14 runs short of his second century of the game as the Comets lost their season opener by 40 runs.

Dawson said a NSW Blues call-up was out of his control, but he would take the opportunity if it arose.

He wasn't picked in their Sheffield Shield side to play Victoria at the MCG on Friday, but his 143 not out in the first innings and 86 in the second hasn't done his chances of a recall any harm.

Having carried his bat through the first innings, Dawson spent almost every minute of the game on the field.

With the Comets' next fixture against WA on November 17, the 32-year-old will play for his Sydney club University of NSW in the meantime.

"It's always nice to get a  few runs, but it's obviously more important to try and get the win and unfortunately we didn't quite get there today, which was disappointing," Dawson said.

"Obviously I was hoping to help the boys get over the line, but unfortunately I got out at a crucial time."

Dawson has played 31 first-class matches for NSW and Tasmania, but doesn't currently have a state contract.

He said the memorandum of understanding between Cricket ACT and Cricket NSW would make it easier for Canberrans to play first-class cricket.

"It's a good opportunity for guys in Canberra to get a more direct pathway to first-class cricket," Dawson said.

"A lot of guys have had to move interstate to Western Australia or Queensland or South Australia, all of the states, and Cricket NSW have noticed that and are trying to capture the local talent into NSW.

"A few of the boys performed quite well this game and hopefully there'll be plenty more Canberra guys getting the opportunity to play for NSW."

AT A GLANCE

Queensland 6-439dec and 5-248dec bt ACT Comets 8-370dec and 277 (Dawson 86, Harriott 63, Brimblecombe 4-76, Steketee 3-41)