Embarrassed Sydney Roosters coach Ricky Stuart blasted "passengers" in his beleaguered team after it slipped to a fifth consecutive NRL loss in a 42-10 drubbing by Canberra.

The thrashing at Canberra Stadium by the rejuvenated Raiders, who moved into the top eight, means the Roosters must win at least seven of their final nine matches to keep alive hopes of making the NRL finals series.

A sombre Stuart conceded it was the worst performance he had overseen as coach and signalled wholesale changes to his side when they return after next week's bye.

"Defensively it was probably the worst effort I've seen that I've been involved in as a coach," Stuart said.

"First grade football is a very, very tough game and we carried too many passengers out there today.

"It was embarrassing. It's got to come back to player accountability, it's as simple as that. Some players there, there's no accountability.

"I'm sick of making excuses up and trying to look after people."

Despite his gloomy mood, Stuart said he had not yet written off the 2006 season.

"Seven from nine is achievable but it just keeps making our job so much harder when we're not winning games and playing like that," he said.

"When you're carrying passengers in first grade, that's what happens."

The Roosters began the match with all guns blazing and their efforts were rewarded with a try in the third minute to winger Ryan Cross.

But the Raiders soon took control and showed they could be a side capable of upsetting more fancied opponents at the business end of the season.

Canberra held a commanding 18-4 lead at the halftime break thanks to tries from Queensland Origin hopeful Clinton Schifcofske, hooker Lincoln Withers and back rower Jason Croker.

The home side added another four tries in the second half courtesy of replacement back Marshall Chalk, halfback Todd Carney, prop Dane Tilse and Queensland Origin player Adam Mogg.

Roosters halfback Brett Finch saved his side from worse embarrassment by crossing for a consolation try in the 74th minute.

"We didn't play conservative footy today. We earned the right to play with a little bit of flamboyance," Raiders coach Matthew Elliott said.

Much of the credit for Canberra's outstanding win rested with veteran five-eighth Jason Smith, who returned from injury after a five match lay-off.

The 34-year-old played with the enthusiasm of someone half his age as he directed his team around the paddock and revealed he was considering signing a one-year contract with South Sydney.

"These five weeks off have freshened me up and it's something that I needed," Smith said.

"I feel a lot better than I did at the start of the year."

Fullback Schifcofske was another standout for the Raiders and could not have done more to convince Queensland selectors he was worthy of a Maroon jumper when the team for the series decider is named on Monday.

The Canberra skipper also displayed his talents with the boot, kicking seven goals from seven attempts.

"I can't see any reason why they would pick anyone else other than Clinton, he's been our best player," Smith said.

Elliott was banking on Schifcofske and Mogg being unavailable for selection next week because of Origin duties however Schifcofske said he had given up worrying about why he was constantly overlooked to represent his home state.

On a sour note for Canberra, second rower Tom Learoyd-Lahrs was placed on report for a possible spear tackle on Roosters centre Craig Wing.

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