AFL media personality Kane Cornes has expressed his interest in hosting the 66th TV Week Logie Awards later this year.
Cornes and his fellow footy legend turned commentator David King have been listed among the favourites for the gig by betting company Sportsbet.
Despite the duo being what most would consider a ‘left-field’ option, Cornes has spoken positively about the potential of him taking on the role.
‘We are one of the favourites – you and I are on the top line of betting,’ Cornes told King on SEN radio on Tuesday.
The duo made it onto a star-studded list of contenders to host the ceremony, alongside Russell Crowe and Rose Byrne, who were both shock inclusions considering their worldwide fame.
Dancing with the Stars winner Robert Irwin is the favourite on the shortlist, paying $3 to win the hosting role.
Kane Cornes (pictured) has been put on a leading bookmaker’s shortlist to host the 2026 Logies ceremony with his fellow footy great turned commentator David King
Veteran comedian Sam Pang (pictured) recently relinquished his hosting duties after three years at the helm
Sportsbet has Cornes and King paying $23 to land the hosting role
Cornes and King currently sit at $23 odds, beating out veteran TV presenter Karl Stefanovic, who is at $26.
Sportsbet has Joel Creasy as the second favourite at $6, with Crowe paying $11 and Byrne $15.
The speculation over who will host the event comes after comedian Sam Pang relinquished hosting duties earlier this month.
‘I’ve had three great years, and it was wonderful, but I’m just not going to do it this year,’ Pang said.
Pang had been approached to host the awards on August 16, but ‘politely declined’.
‘It was very amicable,’ the Front Bar host said.
‘I’m well aware I may never do it again, and whoever does it, I’m sure will do a great job, but I just thought three was a nice number.’
Pang’s irreverent comedy as Logies host proved to be a big hit with audiences and TV’s A-list, as well as a major ratings winner for Seven.
The 2025 broadcast attracted an average of 1.43 million viewers, giving the ceremony its highest numbers since 2012.
Pang’s debut as Logies host in 2023 was also well-received by fans and a ratings success for Seven, with the show drawing an impressive 877,000 viewers.
