How does the play-the-ball work, and how far must the defence retire?

Question

Accepted Answer

As soon as a tag has been removed from the ball-carrier, they must play the ball at the point where the tag occurred. They do not have to replace their tag until the play-the-ball is completed, but both tags must be in place before they can take any further active part in play. The tagged player faces the opponents' goal line and places the ball on the ground in front of their foremost foot. A maximum of two markers may take up the marking position. They must be directly in front of the tagged player and must stay there until the ball is played. A marker is not mandatory. The marker cannot play at the ball or reach around to affect a tag on the acting half. With the exception of the marker, the defensive line must retire 10 metres at the play-the-ball (5 metres for 13 and 14 years). The team in possession must retire behind the players taking part in the play-the-ball. A player in possession must not play the ball before being tagged, and a tagged player must not intentionally part with the ball other than by bringing it into play in the prescribed manner. Source: NRL League Tag Laws of the Game (Official 2018), International League Tag Laws sections 7 and 8.