National Rugby League side Penrith Panthers CEO Justin Pascoe "emerged as the frontrunner to take over as boss of the embattled Wests Tigers," according to Michael Carayannis of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Tigers "are closing in on a decision which could be announced as early as this week." Pascoe and the Tigers "are putting the finishing touches on the finer details of the agreement before both parties can make a final decision." Pascoe "was one of five people interviewed by the Tigers board last week and made the shortlist of two candidates after the club received about 160 applications." Tigers Chair Marina Go "was non-committal about who was in contention for the position." Go said, "There has been lots of speculation about who the club will appoint as chief executive. There was a choice from a number of high-caliber candidates. We look forward to making a decision soon." Pascoe is CEO "of the Panthers NRL team." He "was appointed last August" and has worked with club GM of Football Phil Gould and Panthers Group CEO Warren Wilson. Pascoe was the CCO at the Panthers before he was appointed CEO. During his tour of the U.S., Pascoe "was also taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of Boston Red Sox's Fenway Park" (SMH, 8/31).