I'm prepared to live by it. Someone like Moses went from running half to game manager over a few years at the Eels, Sj did it too. Nicho is in his 3rd year as a halfback now, I don't think it's much of a stretch to think he can develop that part of his game over the next few years.
I think Nicho has ran the ball fine since he's been with us. I certainly don't think Fitz is holding him back.
Adding to bold
Nicho ran 16 times to Trindall's 3 vs Tigers
He ran 23 times to Trindall's 13 vs Dogs
And 14 times to 7 against the Warriors
I thought calling him a running 5/8 was code for 'I inexplicably think Trindall is an elite game manager and don't think Hynes is or ever could be' not an actual criticism of amount of runs. If it
is about him touching the ball less but running more... wild
If it is about
when he has the chance to run - he gets plenty of late set ball as playmaker on one side, or as second receiver. We don't have some fixed structure that locks Hynes into passing to Trindall to decide whether to run or pass every set.
To your first point, SJ is a
great example developed by exactly the same halves coach Nicho has... SJ may be playing better now but his transition started under DJ.
DJ has also been Trindall's halves coach for the past 5 years, since he was 19, and actually I think Flegg used to be 20s? He would have been Trindalls assistant coach his very first season with Cronulla too.
Obviously this assumes someone cares to give DJ any credit at all, but he did start on our coaching staff in 2016 and continue to gain more responsibility and was recently recommended for an International head coach role by the outgoing coach.
Other halves which play predominantly 7 but have a strong run game include former great JT (who excelled in both roles), fullback transitioner Hughes and, when things are going well, Nathan Cleary (who had 22 runs in a grand final winning performance - Luai 7, Arey 9, Mam 9).
I see no reason to worry about how much Nicho does or does not run. Some criticisms of selection or quality perhaps, but very few players nail every run. Put them after faster play the balls and they will always look better.