Retired rugby league legend Brad Fittler backed Craig Wing to successfully fill his vacant five-eighth role for the Sydney Roosters.

With Brett Finch sidelined with two broken hands, Wing will wear the No.6 jersey for the club's NRL season-opener against South Sydney on Saturday night at Aussie Stadium.

"He's a class player," said former Test, NSW and Roosters captain Fittler.

"He's been playing for Australia now for a couple of years so he won't let anyone down.

"He's a pretty handy player Wingy. He's someone who can play hooker, halfback, five-eighth, centre. He's got some talent."

Coach Ricky Stuart said Wing had been training in the halves since returning from Australia's successful Tri Nations campaign in England.

"He's comfortable in those areas and I feel as though at the moment, that's the best place to name him," said Stuart.

Queensland Origin utility Chris Flannery was widely tipped to play five-eighth but Stuart named him at lock, pushing new captain Luke Ricketson into the back-row.

Souths coach Shaun McRae said the move didn't surprise him.

"Craig Wing is a specialist utility player," said McRae.

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