The Brisbane Broncos have reportedly erased its entire five-man leadership group in a dramatic response to the club’s disastrous finals flop against Parramatta.

Captain Darius Boyd, who was earlier this week reported to be facing the sack as skipper, is now expected to me removed completely from the club’s senior leadership group as he battles to keep his spot in the club’s best 17 players.

Star forward Matt Gillett was speculated to be the lead option to replace Boyd, but he too will have to audition for a leadership role after coach Anthony Seibold wiped out the five-man leadership group that led the playing group in 2019.

The Courier-Mail reports Boyd, Gillett, Andrew McCullough, Alex Glenn and Matt Lodge have all lost their positions as senior figures of the paying group — but will be able to win them back after the coach’s leadership review.

With Gillett reportedly among the players spotted out in the gaming area of a Sydney pub the night before the club was knocked out of the NRL Finals, and Boyd, McCullough and Glenn all facing uncertain futures at the club, Matthew Lodge has emerged as the shock front-runner to captain the club in 2020.

The report claims the Broncos are “seriously considering” Lodge for the captaincy, despite previously being exiled from the game for his New York rampage which allegedly traumatised a family.

The staggering potential promotion of Lodge has divided NRL commentators.

Channel 7 rugby league reporter Chris Garry posted on Twitter Saturday the appointment of Lodge would be a public relations disaster — but he remains the players’ most natural leader.

He reports Lodge would also be the players’ selection to replace Boyd.

If @brisbanebroncos players have a say - their new captain will be Matt Lodge. I spoke to several this week. He’s their leader. It would be a PR nightmare though. Board told yesterday he’s the leading candidate. https://t.co/ooXpSrtht5 — Chris Garry (@ChrisGarry7) September 21, 2019

He’s who the players want Dave so whoever gets it will have to recognise that Lodge was playing group’s choice. — Chris Garry (@ChrisGarry7) September 21, 2019

It is just another giant speed bump for the Broncos following the dramatic revelations Gillett, Anthony Milford, Corey Oates, McCullough, Payne Haas and David Fifita were spotted out the night before they lost to the Eels.

McCullough appeared to already be sweating on his future with reports the veteran hooker was expected to be told to move on next year. Fullback Milford was also believed to be on thin ice at the club with reports he was on his “last chance” after the 11-tries-to-nil loss to Parramatta. Winger Oates is off contract and yet to re-sign for 2020.

And it is a bad look for Gillett who had been linked to the Broncos captaincy amid speculation skipper Boyd would step down following their finals shocker.

“Given the players were about to play their biggest game of the year they should have been more professional in their actions,” a Broncos statement said.

“The club will take this into consideration during the end of year review process currently underway.”

— with AAP