Roosters coach Ricky Stuart this morning named versatile hooker Craig Wing as Brett Finch�s replacement at five-eighth for the opening rounds of the 2005 NRL season.

Wing won out over Queensland star Chris Flannery, who will line up in the back-row to compensate for the absence of injured Maroons team-mate Mick Crocker.

Stuart said Wing � who helped guide the club to the 2002 title from halfback � was prepared to handle the switch from dummy-half.

�We�ve been training him in the halves since he returned from last year�s Tri Nations tour,� Stuart said.

�I feel he�s comfortable in those areas, and that it�s the best place to play him.�

Stuart Webb � the standout player during the Roosters� pre season trials � will replace Wing at hooker.