Since the Raiders entered the competition in 1982, they've staged some memorable clashes against the Rabbitohs.
Both clubs have enjoyed bright patches and periods they'd rather forget. Here are the top 10 matches between the teams.
10. Round 24, 2018
The Canberra Raiders came from behind to beat the Rabbitohs 24-12 in their final home game of what was a frustrating season filled with narrow losses. The Raiders went into the sheds trailing 12-4 before outscoring South Sydney 20-0 in the second half to secure a memorable win. Michael Oldfield, Sia Soliola and Nick Cotric scored second-half tries for the hosts.
9. Round 21, 2016
The Raiders ran riot against the Rabbitohs, dominating them across the park on their way to a 54-4 win - their biggest against Souths. The Rabbitohs left edge failed to recover from the loss of Luke Keary to a hamstring injury. Jordan Rapana and Elliott Whitehead bagged doubles and Jarrod Croker kicked his way to a personal tally of 18 points.
8. Round 20, 2014
After winning the first game between the two clubs at the start of the year, the Raiders were outclassed by the Rabbitohs, losing 34-18. A tough night with the boot from Adam Reynolds (3 from 7) made the score look much better for the Raiders.
Match Highlights: Raiders v Rabbitohs - Round 24, 2018
7. Round 15, 1982
The Rabbitohs had won 11 of their first 14 games while Canberra were having a tough time in the NSWRFL, winning just one match. Yet on this beautiful Sunday afternoon in Canberra, the Raiders, captained by former Souths forward David Grant, would avenge their round one defeat. They jumped out to an early lead and won 23-18.
6. Round 7, 2010
South Sydney staged a dramatic comeback to score a 26-24 win in an ANZAC Day thriller. The Raiders ran in four tries in the final 20 minutes of the first half to Jarrod Croker, Josh Dugan, Joel Thompson and Trevor Thurling to lead 24-6. However, second-half tries to Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Issac Luke and Dave Taylor effort stunned the Raiders.
5. Round 1, 1982
It was the debut year for the Canberra Raiders in the NSWRFL, and it was a difficult one. They won just four games and finished at the bottom of the ladder. Their first match gave an indication of what was to come, as Don Furner's side was flogged 37-7. Gerry De La Cruz scored Canberra's first try.
4. Round 10, 2019
South Sydney defended their way to a 16-12 victory against a courageous Raiders side. There were no tries until the 50th minute when Cody Walker Sliced through a gap in the Raiders' defence to score. The Raiders fought back and led 12-10 with ten minutes left before Mawene Hiroti scored the match-winner.
Match Highlights: Raiders v Rabbitohs
3. Semi Final, 2012
This was the first final between the two sides since the famous 1989 preliminary final. Having made the top four for the first time in 23 years, hopes were high at Redfern. The Rabbitohs raced to a 14-0 lead early on before Canberra came back but couldn't hold out the Rabbitohs, who ran away with it in the second half, winning 38-16.
2. Semi Final, 1987
After losing to Eastern Suburbs in the qualifying final, the Raiders came up against a Rabbitohs' side full of confidence. Canberra had beaten Souths twice during the regular season and completed the trifecta as they demolished the Rabbitohs 46-12. Canberra came in with a plan to target young Souths winger Steve Mavin. It worked as they raced to an early 16-0 lead before Mavin was replaced by Rabbitohs coach George Piggins.
1. Preliminary Final, 1989
Souths defeated Canberra twice during the regular season as they claimed the minor premiership and looked destined to break their 18-year title drought. But it was the brilliant attack of the star-studded Raiders who overcame the toughest defence in the league to qualify for the grand final. Canberra's stars really stood up in the second half, as Mal Meninga, Gary Belcher and Glen Lazarus carved up the Rabbitohs tiring defence to win 32-16.
