Nine lands mine pair coup - 16th May 2006
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald - AAP)

The Nine Network has secured exclusive Australian television interviews with rescued Beaconsfield miners Todd Russell and Brant Webb.

Nine announced tonight it would broadcast a special two-hour presentation on Sunday night with the miners, to be hosted by A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw.

"The Great Escape will see Russell and Webb talk for the first time of their remarkable two-week underground ordeal," Nine chief executive Eddie McGuire said in a brief statement tonight.

There had been speculation the Seven Network would secure the rights to talk to the men after Sunrise presenter David Koch became friendly with Mr Russell via messages while he was underground.

Mr Russell, 34, and Mr Webb, 37, spent 14 days trapped almost a kilometre underground in the gold mine following the April 25 rockfall that killed their workmate Larry Knight, 44.

They were rescued on May 9 and have not yet spoken publicly about their ordeal.

Mr McGuire's statement did not disclose how much the men would be paid for the interview.

Seven tonight disputed that Nine had stitched up the rights to talk to the men.

"No deal has been made and it is still under negotiation," a spokeswoman said.

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The Sydney Morning Herald

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Beaconsfield Mine