pointing out that since you are not allowed to rake the ball back in the play the ball that the ball is actually out of play from the time held is called until the ball clears the ruck usually annoys League fans.
Once they realise the ball is out of play more than Union they lose their arguments
I believe the rule you are referring to is as follows:-
(d) The tackled player may not play-the-ball before the players effecting the tackle have had time to clear the ruck.
Play with foot
(e) When the ball touches the ground it must be heeled (i.e. backwards) by the tackled player. The ball must not be kicked or heeled by the player marking him. The ball is in play when it has been played backward.
and
(h) having retired the distance prescribed in the preceding paragraph no player of the team not in possession may advance until the ball has cleared the ruck. A player who is out of play may again take part in the game when the advantage gained by not retiring has been lost.
the ball clearing the ruck is when the guy playing it uses his foot to play the ball backwards.
So the only arguable down time, is when the held call is made and the ball touches the foot, however, if the guy playing drops it or has it stripped (very contentious area this one, most of them are dropsies that sometimes get called strips) a knock on or penalty is called. Hence the game is still live, sort of like the ball can't be stolen once their are two in the tackle, but the game is still live.
Obviously, the fight for possession isn't the same focus as it is in union.