Inspired by returning props James Graham and Sam Kasiano, Canterbury recorded their biggest ever winning margin over a patched-up Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Friday night in a performance which could kick-start their season.

The Bulldogs outclassed the joint-venture side 40-4 in a seven tries to one hammering.

Graham and Kasiano hadn’t played since last year’s grand final loss to Melbourne and their presence bolstered Canterbury up the middle, providing a great platform for the Bulldogs’ attack.

The space afforded by the revitalised Canterbury pack allowed five-eighth Josh Reynolds to play a dominant hand for the Bulldogs who chalked up their third win of the season.

Reynolds gave NSW State of Origin selectors something to think about with an outstanding performance.

The winning margin of 36 points eclipsed the Bulldogs’ previous biggest win over the Tigers by one point when they beat them 47-12 in 2006.

Reynolds was in everything for the Bulldogs, laying on the opening try in the eighth minute to Tony Williams after a lovely short ball and scored a try of his own early in the second half.

The Tigers tried hard but without seven of their senior players, they couldn’t cope with the rampant Bulldogs.

Winger Sam Perrett scored a double for the Bulldogs with a try in each half as Canterbury’s right edge had a field day, with centre Tim Lafai setting up a couple of tries and also scoring one.

Benji Marshall returned from a toe injury after missing the past two matches but he was quiet for the Tigers who managed a late try to fullback James Tedesco after a break from captain Robbie Farah.

The Tigers, who slumped to their fifth consecutive loss, trailed 22-0 at halftime with the game all but over after tries to Williams, hooker Michael Ennis and Perrett after just 25 minutes.