TEMORA coach Anthony Chambeyron yesterday hit back at critics, declaring the Dragons have not set out to buy a Group Nine premiership.

Angered by "pot shots" fired at the club, Chambeyron revealed Temora was keeping a tight rein on its budget and hardly splurging on major signings.

'Temora has been quite diligent (with budget)," Chambeyron said yesterday.

"The players we've signed haven't cost us a lot of money.

"Some of them have signed purely because they think this is way of getting another shot at playing in the NRL.

"It's also about work opportunities and the country lifestyle."

Chambeyron is adamant rumours of Temora splashing as much as $800 a game on several of its "key" recruits were completely false.

"I've had a few phone calls about what we're supposed to be spending," he said.

"I can tell you it's definitely not all about money.

"Some of the amounts people are talking are just ridiculous. "

On the day he confirmed Temora had signed stylish Group 20 centre Alex Ronayne for the Group Nine season starting on Anzac Day, Chambeyron said he was unfazed by the barbs thrown at the Dragons.

"You've got to have a thick skin in this business (of coaching)," he said.

"I'm not too worried."

For Temora, the signing of Ronayne was a natural progression after the Bourke-born back tasted Group 20 success with Lake Cargelligo last year.

Chambeyron coached Lake Cargelligo to the Group 20 grand final and Ronayne has followed the astute football mind to the Dragons.

Unfortunately, Ronayne will not get a chance to play for his new club at the West Wyalong Knockout at Ron Crowe Oval on Friday and Saturday week.

Chambeyron said Ronayne would need to serve a four-game suspension incurred from the Group 20 grand final before playing for the Dragons.

"Aside from Alex and Sam Elwin, who will be playing for the Melbourne Storm academy team, everyone else should be available," he said.

"I'd expect Jeremy Smith, George Maka and Peewee Moke all to be playing and guys like B J Kerry as well."

Chambeyron said criticism of Temora's expansive recruitment was misinformed on all fronts.

"We've really only signed four players from outside Temora," he said.

"The others are all Temora born and bred and are coming back to Temora.

"We're no different to any of the other clubs.

"We've signed players for key positions."

Chambeyron claims the Group Nine premiership will reap the benefit of an influx of fresh talent this year.

"I think it will be a great competition which will be good for football," he said.