It was Network Ten that first aired an exclusive interview with Brittany Higgins about her alleged rapist, an unnamed colleague.

That colleague, Bruce Lehrmann, was watching that night in February 2021.

He later launched defamation proceedings against Ten and Ms Wilkinson, who interviewed Ms Higgins, as well as a now settled claim against News Life Media and Samantha Maiden.

This week, attention turned to Mr Auerbach's allegations, including that Seven paid for illicit drugs and sex workers to secure an interview with Mr Lehrmann.

But even that is not the reason Network Ten has actually sought to reopen the defamation case.

It was more concerned by the prospect that Mr Lehrmann had given material to the Seven Network, in breach of what is known as the Harman principle.

In this case, the Seven Network obtained an audio recording of a conversation involving Brittany Higgins, her partner David Sharaz, Lisa Wilkinson, and senior Network Ten producer Angus Llewellyn.

Bruce Lehrmann has denied providing the material, and the network says it has no intention of revealing its source.

But Network Ten believes Mr Auerbach can help trap Mr Lehrmann in a falsehood.