© PA Images
Bosses at the Australian television network have said that they are confident that they can retain the rights to Before the Game, despite the Seven Network's alleged attempts to poach its stars.
The football panel series will feature The Project's Hughes, along with Mick Molloy, Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehmann, Ryan Fitzgerald, Andrew Maher and Samantha Lane.
A Ten spokesperson told the Herald Sun: "[We are] very hopeful. It's looking very good."
> George Negus TV show axed as 'The Project' extended by Channel Ten
An industry insider has claimed that Seven executives have tried to steal celebrities from the programme in order to re-create it on their channel on Saturday nights.
They previously poached comedian Peter Helliar from Ten to host The Bounce in 2010. However, the show, which also starred Leigh Matthews and Matthew Richardson, was axed after just five episodes.
A Seven representative insisted that the company has "no announcements" about Saturday night programming for next year.
In July this year, Ten's head of corporate communications Jeanette McLachlan hinted at large-scale schedule changes. The axing of music show Video Hits and the introduction of new morning programme Breakfast were announced soon afterwards.
> Dave Hughes: 'I thought 'The Project' would ruin my career'
> Herald Sun newspaper names best and worst Australian TV shows of 2011
