New Zealand Rugby League has confirmed a 2016 national high performance calendar that includes a camp for NSW and Queensland-based 18s.

The Taurahere programme is designed to identify NZ-eligible players living in Australia and strengthen their loyalty to the black jersey.

Two years ago, a New South Wales-based side swept a two-game series against the NZ 18s in Rotorua.

This year, NZRL will bring the expats into a five-day camp on the Gold Coast in July, culminating in a trial game between the two states.

Other features of the calendar include the Kiwis defence of their Four Nations crown, national tournaments for schools, youth and women and the new-look district-based national senior competition.

At the culmination of the national competition, an NZ Residents side will be selected for a possible encounter with NZ Maori.

Still unconfirmed are fixtures for NZ 16s, NZ 18s and Secondary Schools national sides.

The 2016 NZRL national high performance calendar includes: