Going back to the movie theme, Wakefield’s resurrection over the past three seasons is almost too fanciful for Hollywood’s scriptwriters, given the rapid ascent.
Owner Matt Ellis is without doubt the lead character, having come in as a fan but also an incredibly wealthy and successful kitchen magnate.
It has been more than just investment thrown at it; for example Ellis has been hands-on with the stadium renovation in terms of standards and finish on the back of the work of former custodians Michael Carter and John Minards who set the ball rolling.
He also has brought drive and vision, and it was he who was determined to bring Powell to the club as head coach almost immediately after taking control.
“Everything has changed from the top to the bottom,” Johnstone added. “Rather than going into individual key details, the facilities have changed, the manner of the club, just the belief and the ambition of the club is probably the best one.
“We used to say a lot of things and say we wanted to compete but we had no chance of doing it at the time. Whereas now, it’s an elite club. It’s run so well.
“Anything you need, you’ve got it. Matt will provide absolutely anything. He just wants to see success. And the players we’ve signed and the team we’ve built, it just shows. It’s just night and day.”
Ellis and Powell has been a near-perfect partnership; with promotion back to Super League, Wembley success in the 1895 Cup, and back-to-back play-off appearances in Super League all culminating in this Old Trafford opportunity.
Powell had enjoyed success at Featherstone and Castleford before a stint at Warrington ended prematurely, and joining Wakefield has had a revitalising impact on both club and coach.
“I’ve been super-fortunate to get to a club that I’ve felt at home in straight away,” Powell told BBC Sport. “Then when you feel that you can really get after your work and get the right kind of people in.
“Our coaching staff are second to none, they’re unbelievable people and then get the right kind of players in, people first, players second but very good players because if you get the right people you know they’re going to work hard to be the very best they can be.
“I feel like we’ve got all that mix right and the ownership is great which sets us up – we’re just in a zone where we’re all proud of each other and I know that’s that’s pretty special.”
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