Call it a character-building, courageous, gutsy or determined but don't mention the word 'lucky' when talking to Canberra coach Matthew Elliott about his side's 25-18 victory over South Sydney in a fiery NRL clash at Aussie Stadium.

The Raiders lost three key players to injury in the first half when they trailed 12-10 but still had enough petrol in the tank to down a disappointing Rabbitohs outfit which faded in the second stanza.

Canberra also had to battle a lopsided 8-2 penalty count against them in the opening half.

But the Raiders got the rub of the green in the final 40 minutes in a match employing the controversial interchange refereeing system, with Steve Lyons and Jason Robinson sharing the load.

The Easter Monday game was marred by a disgruntled Souths fan who threw a soft drink bottle which hit Robinson in the back of the head.

Souths coach Shaun McRae lauded Raiders veteran five-eighth Jason Smith as the difference between the sides.

The 33-year-old Smith scored a 34th minute try and set up his team's final two tries, none better than a superb inside ball for Michael Hodgson to go over in the 59th minute.

Fullback Clinton Schifcofske crossed five minutes later and then kicked a 72nd minute field goal to hand the Raiders only their second win from their past 18 matches at Aussie Stadium.

But Elliott was clearly ruffled at the criticism levelled at his underrated side, although no one at the post-match press conference was sure who he was taking aim at.

"I certainly don't want to overplay the word luck but apparently we've been on the receiving end of a fair bit of luck," Elliott said.

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