Jack Hombsch and Port teammates have been having cultural awareness lessons. Credit:Getty Images Versatile Power defender Jack Hombsch, preparing for his first trip to China, told Fairfax Media the players now had a better understanding. "The idea ... is to get a heads up on how cultures are different, how to respect them, and not make fun of them. Some things in other cultures are really important to them, and what is funny can be different to us," he said. "It's being respectful to what they have and their values. We are in their home, so to conform a little bit to the way they like things to be done. It was really interesting, it was quite good." SHOWING RESPECT

The presentation took in many aspects, from dealing with those in a position of power, to table manners, to approaching people on the street. "The hierarchy process - over there, there is a lot of emphasis placed on the bosses and the CEOs," Hombsch said. "You are not allowed to enter a room until they have. Everyone follows the leaders and bosses into the room afterwards - it's little bit different to Australia." So, extrapolating that, does that mean teammates will have to wait until skipper Travis Boak enters the room before they can? "Basically, that's what we have been told. Follow in behind Boaky," Hombsch said with a laugh.

What to do with chopsticks was also discussed. Where we often leave them on the table or plate in Australia, Hombsch said that would be frowned upon in Shanghai. "The chopsticks - if you can't do it, that's fine, but it's important to have a go," he said. "As long as you are having a crack, they respect that. You don't actually sit your chopsticks across the table, you place them in the little chopstick holders." How best to greet someone and even hand over a gift or business card was another topic. "The greet is a little bit of a bow. When you are handing people business cards or gifts or anything, you always give with two hands," he said.

"You never give a gift or something with one hand. That's being disrespectful. It was certainly a bit of a learning experience. Obviously, the Australian culture is pretty blase at times." GREETING LOCALS When dealing with the locals on the street, players have been urged to be respectful. "The main thing was, don't speak too quick. And just try and be as respectful as possible - don't be loud and obnoxious. Like I said, we did try and learn a bit of Mandarin to say hello and thank you," Hombsch said. Even an extended stay in a hotel will be something different for both teams. Where players generally are in the hotel for only one night before an interstate clash, this time they will have five nights. That means going easy on room service, although the Power will take certain food over and have also sourced other nutritious food from local suppliers.