Canberra has broken a three-game losing streak, belting a dreadful South Sydney outfit 38-10 in chilly conditions at Canberra Stadium on Monday night.
The Raiders, missing a number of key players, scored seven tries to two to continue their brilliant home form.
After winning their first game of the season a fortnight ago, the Rabbitohs turned in a disgraceful performance.
Their defence was non-existent at times while the little possession they enjoyed was invariably squandered.
Canberra took just 52 seconds to post first points following a bad mistake by Souths.
Winger Shannon Hegarty was deceived by the backspin on a downfield kick, kneeing the ball towards his own line as he attempted to slide in and clean up.
That left Joel Monaghan with a simple pick up to stroll across the line and score.
Todd Carney converted the try for a 6-0 lead.
The Rabbitohs replied in the 12th minute, centre Beau Champion surging over the line after the ball went wide.
But 10 minutes later the Raiders were in again, second-rower Glen Turner powering past two defenders to crash over next to the posts.
Carney was again on target with the conversion, easing the hosts in front 12-4.
The Raiders increased their lead on the half hour, Trevor Thurling brushing past some ineffectual defence to post his first try in the NRL.
At 18-4, Hollywood star and Souths co-owner Russell Crowe was probably regretting travelling to the capital to watch his side.
His mood darkened further in the 35th minute when Canberra skipper Alan Tongue's chip kick was collected by Terry Campese, who sprinted 40m to score.
Second half tries to Monaghan, Adrian Purtell and Bronx Goodwin saw Canberra clear out to an unassailable lead before Dean Widders picked up a consolation try at the death.
Canberra 38
Tries: Monaghan (2), Turner, Thurling, Campese, Purtell, Goodwin
Goals: Carney 5
South Sydney 10
Tries: Champion, Widders
Goal: Luke
Sportal NRL Player of the Year
3 - Terry Campese (Raiders)
2 - Joel Monaghan (Raiders)
1 - Alan Tongue (Raiders)