Raiders extend Souths’ losing run

Canberra have mounted a second-half comeback for the second straight week to upset South Sydney 30-22 in Cairns on Sunday.

The Raiders made it three straight wins on the road for the first time since the end of the 2012 NRL season as they overcame a 16-4 halftime deficit.

Back-to-back tries to Josh Papalii and Blake Austin sealed the win for the Raiders, condemning the premiers to their third straight defeat.

It’s the first time Souths have lost three matches in a row under coach Michael Maguire.

While winger Adam Johnston will be celebrating his selection to debut for the Kangaroos in next weekend’s Anzac Test, there will be little else to console the Bunnies on their trip back to Sydney.

Compounding their misery, centre Dylan Walker limped out of the match midway through the second half while Chris Grevsmuhl was placed on report for a first half high shot on Raiders winger Jordan Rapana.

Chris McQueen, playing his 100th NRL match, and Bryson Goodwin both crossed in the first half for the Rabbitohs before Greg Inglis scored his 50th four-pointer in Souths’ colours to ensure a healthy halftime lead.

But, just as they did against Wests Tigers last week, Ricky Stuart’s men stormed home in the final 40.

Tries to Edrick Lee and Shannon Boyd reduced the margin to two before Souths halfback Luke Keary dove onto a Goodwin grubber to apparently settle things for the Rabbitohs.

That just spurred the Raiders into life once more however, with Papalii and Austin scoring within three minutes to put the Raiders ahead.

Lee’s second with just three minutes to go secured the points and moved the Raiders level with Rabbitohs on four wins for the season.

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